LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

December 1, 2023

 

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Harrisburg woman was seriously injured while her passenger also from Harrisburg, a 2 year old girl suffered minor injuries in an accident that occurred at 3:50pm Wednesday in Boone County.  The patrol says that 40 year old Stephanie Hall was on Route B and driving too fast for conditions when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, went down an embankment and struck several trees.  Both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

TROY MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON INCIDENT

A Troy man was injured in a Wednesday afternoon incident in Lincoln County.  State troopers stated that it happened in a private property field at 214 Frenchman Bluff Lane as 59 year old Jay Taylor reached into a truck for an unknown reason when the driver side door struck him and knocked him to the ground and then the truck rolled forward and struck him again.  He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.  The incident occurred at around 12:40pm Wednesday.

 

MAN HURT IN THURSDAY MORNING WRECK

29 year old Brandon Bourgeois of Palmyra was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday morning in Clark County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6:25am as he was on Route A when his tractor trailer ran off the right side of the road onto its side.  He was taken to Scotland County Memorial Hospital in Memphis for treatment of minor injuries.

 

GOVERNOR PARSON NAMES TREVOR FOLEY AS ACTING DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

On Thursday, Governor Mike Parson announced that Trevor Foley will serve as Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC). Foley's appointment will become effective December 6 upon Director Anne Precythe's departure from state government. Valarie Moseley and Travis Terry will serve as DOC Deputy Directors.  

Foley began his career with the Missouri Department of Corrections as a budget analyst in January 2000 and had been promoted to budget analyst III by May 2001. In August 2008, he accepted a position with the Missouri State Senate as an appropriations analyst. He was promoted to Assistant Director of the Senate Appropriations Staff Office in July 2015. Foley left the Senate and returned to the Department of Corrections as the Director of Budget and Finance in August 2018.

Foley holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Columbia College

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 30, 2023

 

GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY PARSON INVITE FAMILIES TO CANDLELIGHT TOURS AND ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson cordially invite families to attend this year’s Candlelight Tours and annual tree lighting ceremony at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion on Friday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m. The annual lighting of the tree will be followed by this year’s Candlelight Tours.

The Candlelight Tours will run until 8:00 p.m. on Friday and again Monday, December 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Friday, the Bolivar High School choir will perform on the Mansion steps beginning at 5:30 p.m., prior to the tree lighting. 

This year's theme is "Standing United: A Salute to Christmas." During the Candlelight Tours, visitors will be able to walk through the festively decorated ground floor of the Governor's Mansion. Toys for Tots representatives will also be in attendance during the Candlelight Tours to accept donations of new, unwrapped toys or monetary contributions to support Missouri children this holiday season.

The Candlelight Tours are free and open to the public. Visitors will enter through the Madison Street gate.

 

EQUIPMENTSHARE OPENS NEW INDUSTRIAL AND UPFITTING CENTER IN MOBERLY, INVESTING MORE THAN $46 MILLION AND CREATING 151 NEW JOBS

EquipmentShare, an integrated equipment rental and equipment asset management company, celebrated Tuesday the grand opening of its new industrial and upfitting center in Moberly. The company is investing more than $46 million and will create 151 new jobs over the next four years.

EquipmentShare’s new industrial and upfitting center in Moberly will house industrial and technology operations including telematics installations, equipment refurbishment, and the manufacturing of attachments for equipment. The new 174,000-square-foot facility will allow the company to expand its research and development program, which includes assembly and telematics installation, as well as launch its tool and material refurbishment program.

EquipmentShare develops cutting-edge technology that helps contractors from coast to coast build smarter. In addition to providing customers with a best-in-class equipment rental marketplace, the company offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that includes a fleet management platform and telematics devices.

For this expansion, EquipmentShare will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.

EquipmentShare is now hiring in Moberly for various roles, including service technicians, mechanics, production associates, and research developers. The company offers unique people-first focused benefits like tool reimbursement for service jobs, boot allowance, and 16 hours of time off each year to volunteer. To learn more about the open job positions at EquipmentShare’s Moberly location, visit equipmentshare.com/careers.

 

MDC REPORTS CLOSE TO 193,670 DEER HARVESTED DURING NOVEMBER PORTION OF FIREARMS DEER SEASON

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 193,669 deer during the November portion of firearms deer season, Nov. 11-21. Of the 193,669 deer harvested, 105,614 were antlered bucks, 16,081 were button bucks, and 71,974 were does.

Top harvest counties were Franklin with 4,289 deer harvested, Texas with 4,208, and Howell with 3,749. For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/.

This year’s harvest total was 3% lower than last year and 2% higher than the previous five-year average. For more harvest information from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 29, 2023

 

WOMAN INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK

62 year old Julianne Coughlin of Clarksville was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Lincoln County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5:45pm as she was on Route W when she failed to stop at a stop sign, causing her car to run off the road, hit a sign, became airborne and struck a fence.  She was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

TWO MEN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two Fulton men were hurt in an accident that occurred at 3:15pm Monday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 75 year old Kenneth Seals was on Route NN when he pulled into the path of a car driven by 41 year old Andrew Payne and they collided.  Payne sustained moderate injuries while Seals suffered minor injuries.  Both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Tuesday, November 21 at approximately 6:36pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 900 block of Vance Road in reference to someone being held against their will.  Responding officers located Kevin D Benton, age 31 of Mexico and a 25-year-old woman in the area.  Investigation indicated Benton told a third party he was going to kidnap the woman.  He then grabbed her, covered her mouth, and attempted to get her to leave with him prior to officer arrival.  Benton was arrested and processed at MPSD then taken to the Audrain County Jail for Kidnapping 2nd degree, Domestic Assault 4th degree, and Armed Criminal Action.  The woman was not injured and there was no indication Benton was a threat to anyone else.

 

MSHP REPORTS FOUR FATALITIES, NO DROWNINGS OR BOATING CRASHES OVER 2023 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports four people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period--from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 26, 2023.  There were no boating crashes or drownings.


During the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers report the following traffic statistics for 2023 (preliminary):

Crashes ─ 431
Injuries ─ 138
Fatalities ─ 4
DWI ─ 103
Drug Arrests ─ 10

Troopers investigated all four of the traffic crash fatalities in 2023. Two of the traffic fatalities occurred in the Troop A, Lee’s Summit, MO, area; and two traffic fatalities occurred in the Troop C, Weldon Spring, MO, area.

 

There were zero boating crashes, zero boating fatalities, zero drownings, and zero boating while intoxicated arrests reported during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 28, 2023

 

MAN INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK

77 year old Larry Edwards of Roodhouse, IL was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Ralls County.  The patrol says it happened at around 7:15am as he was on Route DD when his freightliner traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

WOMAN HURT IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 5:15pm Sunday in Boone County.  The highway patrol said that 77 year old Jerry Kilgore of Columbia turned left onto Route HH and drove into the path of a car driven by 39 year old Elizabeth Wright of Hallsville, causing her to steer to the right to avoid a collision, but the front of Wright’s car struck the passenger side of Kilgore’s car and after impact Wright’s car came to rest on Route HH facing South, while Kilgore’s car came to a controlled stop.  Wright sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

DRIVER HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING CRASH

A driver was hurt in an early Sunday morning crash in Lincoln County.  MSHP stated that 20 year old Chiara Catapano of O’Fallon was on Highway C when her car ran off the right side of the road, struck a culvert and overturned.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.  The crash happened at 12:40am Sunday.

 

TWO INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING HEAD-ON COLLISION

Two Kirksville men were injured in a head-on collision Sunday morning in Sullivan County.  State troopers report that it happened at 8:30am as 37 year old Cesar Anicama Jorges was on Highway 6 when he lost control of his SUV on a snow-covered roadway and slid into the path of a truck driven by 55 year old Troy Mihalevich and they collided head-on.  Both were taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 22, 2023

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Sunday, November 19 at approximately 4:33pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 200 block of S Alabama in reference to a disturbance and shooting.  Responding officers found that several people from two different houses in that area had been arguing and that escalated into a physical fight.  During the fight, Kyle C Parrish, age 37 of Mexico, produced a gun and shot a 38-year-old Mexico man in the leg.  The man who was shot was taken to University Hospital by Audrain Ambulance District.  He was admitted for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.  Parrish was taken into custody by MPSD and eventually taken to the Audrain County Jail for Assault 2nd degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a firearm. 

 

On Friday, November 17 at approximately 12:39pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1200 block of Vance Road after a passerby saw a small fire in a field which contained numerous straw and hay bales.  The fire was extinguished before reaching any of the bales.  The fire apparently started after a failure in some electric equipment on an overhead utility pole.  Ameren responded to the scene to correct the issue.  There were no injuries from the incident.

 

MSHP: PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY THIS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone there will be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. Drivers should remain alert to changes along their normal route. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority.

The counting period for the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 26, 2023. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and available to assist the public. Over the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, nine people were killed and 482 injured in 1,355 traffic crashes.

Drivers should make sure their vehicles are in good condition and that they are well rested before they start driving. Remember: There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired.

Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back …”

If boating or fishing are part of your Thanksgiving holiday weekend plans, remember there is less daylight, which makes your vessel's navigation lights essential. Check your lights and have extra bulbs on board before you head out. This time of year, the water is becoming colder and hypothermia is a concern. The body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in the air of the same temperature. If you take an unexpected plunge in cold water, it's important to get out of the water and into dry clothes as soon as possible. Most boaters wear more clothing this time of year, so the proper wearing of life jackets and using caution to avoid falling overboard is even more important. Having a plan as to how you would exit the water if you inadvertently fell overboard is imperative. For example, does your boat have an exterior swim ladder to allow you to re-enter the vessel?

Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive whether you are in your boat or your car. Please don't become a statistic.

 

MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

The following incidents/arrests were investigated by the Moberly Police Department between the hours of 7am on 11/17/2023 and 7am 11/20/2023.

 

On November 18, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to the 700 block of Vincil St in reference to a male subject that was refusing to leave a residence. A 37-year-old Moberly man was placed under arrest for domestic assault. He was later transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On November 18, 2023, a Moberly Officer observed a vehicle being operated poorly on N. Morley St. The officer initiated a traffic stop and believed the 42-year-old driver was intoxicated. The Officers went to place the man under arrest, and he resisted before being taken into custody. The man was later transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On November 18, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to an establishment in the 400 block of Urbandale Drive in reference to a male subject shooting a firearm. Officers contacted the victim and learned the male who was identified as 23-year-old Tyrese Mayfield had fled the scene. The victim told Officers she was involved in an argument with Mayfield before he held a handgun next to her head then fired the gun. Mayfield was later located in Macon County and placed under arrest for domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. Mayfield was transported back to Moberly before being taken to the Randolph County Jail.  

 

On November 19, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to an establishment located in the 1200 block of Hurley Ave in reference to a 51-year-old man refusing to leave. The man was placed under arrest for trespassing and transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On November 19, 2023, a Moberly Officer initiated a traffic stop in the 500 block of W. Lee St. The passenger identified as 39-year-old Laura Smith was found to have a probation violation warrant for her arrest. Smith was placed under arrest and transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 21, 2023

 

PAVEMENT REPAIR WORK SCHEDULED ON I-70 IN MONTGOMERY AND WARREN COUNTIES

Weather permitting, as early as November 27, contractor crews with N.B. West Contracting Company will begin asphalt pavement repair work on the eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 70 in Montgomery and Warren counties. The project is located from the Callaway County line to the St. Charles County line, between mile marker 167 and mile marker 188.

All work will occur during the nighttime hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where workers are present. Motorists can expect intermittent delays as traffic will be reduced to one lane where work is occurring.

All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change. For the safety of the crews and the traveling public, they would like to remind drivers to be attentive in work zones and put down your cell phones to eliminate distractions.

 

FULTON MAN INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Fulton man was injured in an accident that occurred at 3:10pm Sunday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 54 year old Thomas Shackelford was on Route BB when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN SUNDAY NIGHT WRECK

22 year old Jordon Renner of Fulton was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday night in Callaway County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5:25pm as he was on Route C when his truck ran off the left side of the road, overturned and struck a power pole.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER 23-10 EXTENDING DROUGHT ALERT IN MISSOURI

Last week, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 23-10, extending Missouri's drought alert until May 1, 2024.

Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of at least 85 Missouri counties are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. The Executive Order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any additional county that begins experiencing drought conditions.  

In response to Governor Parson’s initial Executive Order declaring a drought alert on May 31, 2023, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources activated the Drought Assessment Committee, a workgroup set up to assess drought levels and work with impact teams on response and recovery recommendations. 

The Executive Order was set to expire on December 1, 2023. Extending the order will allow the Drought Assessment Committee and associated impact teams to continue supporting affected communities throughout the winter and continue to expand the state’s capabilities to respond to and lessen the impacts of future droughts.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 20, 2023

 

DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING WRECK

52 year old Robert Little of Oklahoma City, OK was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 10:20am Saturday in Montgomery County.  State troopers stated that he was westbound on I-70 when his freightliner went off the roadway and struck the median wall.  He was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MAN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY INCIDENT

A Union man was hurt in a Saturday morning incident in Franklin County.  MSHP reported that 32 year old Andrew Miller was on Highway 185 and distracted by his radio when he lost control of his car and it crossed the center of the road, began sliding and ran off the left side of the road and overturned.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment.  The incident happened at 10:10am Saturday.

 

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK AND KILLED IN BOONE COUNTY

A pedestrian was struck and killed in an accident that occurred at 11:35pm Saturday in Boone County.  The patrol says that 48 year old Tina Reeves of Columbia was westbound on I-70 Drive when her vehicle struck a man who was in the road.  The man identified as 36 year old Amrinder Singh of Columbus, OH was transported to University Hospital in Columbia where he died from his injuries a short time later.   

 

WOMAN INJURED IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING CRASH

A Triplett woman was injured in an early Saturday morning crash in Chariton County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at 1:45am as 21 year old Alexandra Jacobs was on Route E when her car ran off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.  She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 17, 2023

 

TEEN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Union teen was hurt in an accident that occurred at around 6:40pm Wednesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that the 17 year old boy was on Route A when an unknown vehicle pulled out in front of him, causing the teen to abruptly apply the brakes and lost control of his vehicle and it overturned, ejecting him from it.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

TWO INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK

Two men were injured in a two-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6pm as 57 year old George Wieda Sr. of St. Clair was on Missouri 30 when he slowed in anticipation of executing a left turn when a caravan driven by 30 year old Dakota Jones of Lonedell failed to slow down and struck the truck in the rear causing it to travel off the left side of the roadway and came to rest in a field.  Both sustained moderate injuries and were taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis and Washington respectively. 

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Tuesday at about 7pm, observant residents notified the Mexico Public Safety Department about some suspicious activity involving people looking in vehicles in the area of the 300 block of N Washington.  Around 10:30pm, information from other residents led to the arrest of Steven A Parker, age 29 of Columbia.  Evidence was collected, linking Parker to some thefts in Mexico and Columbia.  Parker was processed at MPSD and released.  MPSD is continuing the investigation into Parker’s activities and cases will be forwarded to the Audrain County Prosecutor for warrants and charges. 

 

Anyone with information about Parker’s recent activities or any other crime is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.

 

MDC THANKS DEER HUNTERS FOR HELP WITH CWD SAMPLING THIS PAST WEEKEND

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) thanks the thousands of deer hunters who participated in its mandatory sampling efforts in 39 counties this past weekend to test for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in harvested deer. Thanks to hunter participation, MDC collected tissue samples from more than 20,600 hunter-harvested deer for CWD testing on Nov. 11 and 12.

CWD sampling consists of MDC staff removing lymph nodes from the necks of harvested deer for testing. Tissue samples are sent to an independent lab for testing.

According to MDC, the opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season is the most popular two days for most deer hunters in Missouri. Hunters typically harvest between a quarter to a third of the state’s total annual deer harvest during those two days. Focusing on this key weekend gives MDC the best opportunity to collect the most tissue samples for CWD testing during a very concentrated time period.

MDC is also offering free voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season at select locations throughout the state, including some MDC offices and participating taxidermists and meat processors.

MDC also offers self-service freezer deer-head drop-off locations within the CWD Management Zone for hunters to deposit harvested deer heads to have tested for CWD. Instructions, packing supplies, and information tags are available at the sites.

Get more information on voluntary sampling locations and drop-off locations online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

Hunters can get their CWD test results for free online at mdc.mo.gov/cwdResults. Results are available within four weeks from the time of sampling and the wait time if often much less.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 16, 2023

 

TRUCK/AMBULANCE COLLISION IN LEWIS COUNTY

A truck and an Adair County Ambulance were involved in a collision that occurred after 5pm Tuesday in Lewis County.  The patrol says that 65 year old Steven Fries of Knox City was on MO 6 when he began to yield to the ambulance driven by 29 year old Cheyenne Hyle of Unionville and traveled off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, causing his truck to return to the road and struck the ambulance.  The passenger in the ambulance 48 year old Dawn Ramos of Kirksville was transported by helicopter to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL with serious injuries, while Fries along with Hyle and the other paramedic in the ambulance 49 year old Anthony Sims of Unionville were also taken to Blessing Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MAN HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK

57 year old Daniel Sumpter of Moberly was hurt in a two-vehicle wreck early Wednesday morning in Randolph County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5:25am as he was on US 63 and slowed down to make a turn when his caravan was struck in the rear by a car driven by 31 year old Thurman Boggs of Moberly and after impact the caravan went off the right side of the road and overturned.  Sumpter sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

MISSOURI JOBS REPORT FOR OCTOBER 2023

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,600 jobs in October 2023, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 4,800 jobs and government employment increased by 800 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in October 2023, up from 2.9 percent in September 2023. Over the year, there was an increase of 41,300 jobs from October 2022 to October 2023, and the unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point, from 2.7 percent in October 2022 to 3.1 percent in October 2023.

 

COLUMBIA COLLEGE NAMED TO 2023 BEST FOR VETS LIST BY MILITARY TIMES

Military Times recently announced that Columbia College has been named to its 2023 “Best for Vets: Colleges” list. The publication provides a comprehensive annual ranking of higher education institutions in the United States for military service members and veterans.

Columbia College is the highest-ranked private institution in Missouri and the second-highest-ranked school in the state overall. The college ranks third in the country among schools that deliver education primarily online.

Military Times analyzed Columbia College based on the effectiveness of its programs for veterans and metrics related to student success, military-specific resources and financial aid.

The college has adapted to the changing educational landscape by incorporating increased online and virtual options, making it possible for students to take classes from anywhere in the world. This flexibility is especially beneficial for military personnel and veterans who may have unique challenges related to their service commitments or geographical locations.

Columbia College has more than 20,000 military-affiliated alumni around the world and maintains a presence on 14 military installations across its Columbia College Global footprint. 

The institution was also named one of the most military-friendly and military-spouse-friendly colleges in 2023 by MilitaryFriendly.com.

  




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 15, 2023

 

WOMAN HURT IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT

A woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 2am Tuesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 53 year old Kimba Auvill of Hazelwood was on Schuchart Park Road when she lost control of her car and it traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

 

DRIVER INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK

56 year old Linda Cooper of Richmond was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Lafayette County.  The highway patrol said it happened just before 7pm as she was on MO 13 when her car struck an animal in the road.  She refused treatment at the scene for minor injuries.

 

MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

The following incidents/arrests were investigated by the Moberly Police Department between the hours of 7am on 11/08/2023 and 7am 11/10/2023.

 

On November 8, 2023, Moberly Officers contacted 50-year-old Thomas Jewett in the 700 block of Promenade St. Jewett was placed under arrest for an active Randolph County warrant on original charges of burglary and stealing. Jewett was transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On November 8, 2023, a Moberly Officer conducted a traffic stop on US Highway 24 near the Sparks Ave intersection. The 29-year-old registered sex offender was operating a vehicle that was not listed on his registry. The man was placed under arrest for failure to register and later transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On November 9, 2023, Moberly Officers contacted 40-year-old Joshua Stone at the Probation and Parole Office. Stone was placed under arrest for active P&P warrant on original charges of possession of a controlled substance. Stone was transported to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 14, 2023

 

WOMAN HURT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at around 11:50am Sunday in Montgomery County.  The patrol says that 20 year old Grace Brader of Cummings, KS was a passenger in a car driven by 26 year old Grant Schoening of Indianapolis, IN.  they were eastbound on I-70 when their car was struck in the rear by a truck driven by 56 year old Michael Murphy of Columbia, MO which had just swerved to avoid hitting a pedestrian on an unrelated traffic crash.  The woman was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.

 

DRIVERS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SUNDAY EVENING COLLISION

Both drivers were seriously injured in a head-on collision Sunday evening in Marion County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5pm as 40 year old Tyson Hubbard of Hannibal was on Warren Barrett Drive when his truck crossed the center line and struck an SUV driven by 64 year old Michael Bradley of Hannibal head-on.  Hubbard was transported by ambulance to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL with serious injuries while Bradley was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital with serious injuries.

 

MAN HURT IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK

29 year old Reid Littrell of Glasgow was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Chariton County.  MSHP stated that he was at the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway KK when his car traveled off the roadway, struck a sign became airborne and struck a tree line.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital for treatment.  The wreck happened at 10:45pm Saturday.

 

MDC REPORTS 90,334 DEER HARVESTED DURING FIREARMS OPENING WEEKEND

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters in Missouri harvested 90,334 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season Nov. 11 and 12. Of the 90,334 deer harvested, 53,159 were antlered bucks, 7,163 were button bucks, and 30,012 were does.

Top harvest counties for opening weekend were Franklin with 2,114 deer harvested, Texas with 1,825, and Howell with 1,726.

According to MDC, this year’s opening weekend harvest was similar to the previous five-year average. Last year, hunters checked 93,355 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season.

For current, ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/.

For harvest summaries from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries.

 

The November portion of firearms deer season runs through Nov. 21 followed by the CWD portion Nov. 22-26 in open counties. Archery deer hunting resumes Nov. 22 through Jan. 15, 2024. The late youth portion runs Nov. 24-26. The late antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs Dec. 2-10 in open counties and the alternative methods portion will occur Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, 2024.

Get more information on Missouri deer hunting from MDC’s 2023 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 13, 2023

 

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

A Laddonia woman was seriously injured in a Saturday afternoon crash in Monroe County.  The highway patrol said that 56 year old Terry McIntosh was on MO 154 when her vehicle ran off the left side of the road, struck a fence, a utility pole and then overturned.  She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.  The crash happened at 3:30pm Saturday.

 

DRIVER KILLED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK

79 year old Clarence Morris of Quincy, IL was killed in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Marion County.  State troopers stated that it happened at 6:15pm as he was on Marion County Road 139 when he suffered a medical event, causing his car to travel off the right side of the road and overturned.  He was transported by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia where he died from the event a short time later. 

 

THREE TEENS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT

Three teens were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 1:40am Sunday in Randolph County.  The patrol says that 19 year old Matthew Wheeler of Jacksonville was on Route Y and driving too fast for conditions when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, overturned and struck a tree, ejecting his passenger 19 year old Jerek Henage of Moberly and then it came to rest on the passenger side in a field.  Wheeler was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon with serious injuries, while his two passengers’ Henage and 19 year old Tiffany Green of Centralia were taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.  

 

NATIONAL CRASH RESPONDER SAFETY WEEK IS THIS WEEK

On a daily basis, emergency responders put their lives on the line along Missouri’s highways responding to crash scenes. These responders include police officers, fire fighters, EMS, tow truck operators and highway workers. They respond to traffic incidents, assist drivers, and help keep traffic flowing.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for EMS responders and law enforcement officers. To remind motorists what’s on the line, the FHWA has declared the week of Nov. 13-17 as National Crash Responder Safety Week. 

Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights on. To help protect those who protect us, all 50 states enforce some form of the Move Over law. 

In 2022, more than 54,000 traffic crashes were reported on Missouri roadways that required emergency response. MoDOT emergency response personnel respond to more than 4,500 traffic incidents each month on average. 

Crash Responder Safety Week is an opportunity to remind drivers to adhere to Missouri’s Move Over law, educate drivers on crash prevention and promote life-saving training for all traffic incident responders.

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Adair County

Route B – November 20-22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Brewington to Redbud between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Audrain County

Route M – November 14, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route FF to CR 936 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 151 – November 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 22 to CR 108 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 151 – November 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 128 to CR 148 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 151 – November 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 148 to CR 1006 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 54/Missouri Route 19 (Northbound) – November 20-21, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations beginning at the roundabout at Scotts Corner extending north 1500 feet between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily. Temporary minor impacts can be expected on all legs of the roundabout.

Lewis County

Route Y – November 13-22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route K to Route H between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Macon County

Missouri Route 3 – November 21, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Geyser Avenue to Frontier Street between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route DD – November 14-15 CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from U.S. Route 63 to Kellogg Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route DD – November 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Kellogg Avenue to Lynx Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route DD – November 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Lariat Avenue to Leather Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route DD – November 20, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Leather Avenue to Meadowlark Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route DD – November 21-22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Melody Avenue to Route K between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Marion County

Route C – November 13-14, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 276 to Route Z between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route C – November 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from the intersection of Route Z north of Route C and the intersection of Route Z south of Route C between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – November 16, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from U.S. Route 61 to Mark Twain Avenue between 2:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Monroe County

Route M – November 13-16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from east of CR 921 to west of CR 931 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route AA – November 20, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from east of CR 831 to west of CR 835 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Montgomery County

Route E – November 13-14, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Rock Road to Opossum Trot between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route FF – November 15-17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route E to New Truxton Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Ralls County

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – November 6-8, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from one mile before and after Salt River bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A 13-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Randolph County

Route DD – November 13-15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from one mile north of Route Z to two miles north of Route Z between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily.

Route DD – November 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 0.5 miles south of Route Z to one mile south of Route Z between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route DD - November 20, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 0.5 miles south of Route Z to one mile south of Route Z between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route DD – November 21, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 1250 to CR 1265 between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Shelby County

Missouri Route 151 - November 15-17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from U.S. Route 36 to Route J between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 10, 2023

 

WOMAN HURT IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK

37 year old Kimberly Schmelz of Washington was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 6:20pm as she was on Highway A when a deer ran across the road and struck the driver side door of her car.  She was going to drive herself to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

 

TWO MEN INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two men were injured in an accident that occurred after 3pm Wednesday in Boone County.  The patrol says that 70 year old David Perkins of Hartsburg was on Route WW when he slowed down for another vehicle which was making a left turn into a private drive when his motorcycle was struck in the rear by another motorcycle ridden by 66 year old Michael Wise of Columbia.  Perkins was released at the scene for minor injuries, while Wise was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MISSOURI PREPARED TO SUPPORT BOEING AS ST. LOUIS COUNTY IS CONSIDERED FOR LOCATION OF $1.8 BILLION EXPANSION AND CREATION OF MORE THAN 500 NEW JOBS

As St. Louis County is considered by Boeing as a location for a major expansion project, the State of Missouri is prepared to support the company and build on its longstanding partnership. The leading global aerospace company is Missouri’s largest manufacturer and has had a presence in the state for more than 80 years.

Boeing’s potential expansion in St. Louis County would include a $1.8 billion investment and the creation of more than 500 new jobs. The Department of Economic Development is among multiple organizations working to support the aerospace company, which include St. Louis County, the City of St. Louis, Greater St. Louis, Inc., St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, St. Louis Development Corporation, Spire, and Ameren.

Boeing’s manufacturing facility in St. Louis is the country’s second-largest defense contractor and a major manufacturer of innovative aircraft. More than 16,000 Missourians are involved in the production of advanced Boeing jets in St. Louis. Overall, the state is home to more than 100 aerospace manufacturers, with about 80,000 Missourians employed in aerospace and defense manufacturing.

To assist Boeing in its potential expansion, the Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB) approved the use of the Business Use Incentives for Large-Scale Development (BUILD) Program. The company will also benefit from the Missouri Works Deal Closing Fund and Missouri One Start, the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division.

Approved incentives amounts:

BUILD Program - $8,849,162

Missouri Works Deal Closing Fund - $20,375,491

Missouri One Start - $8,500,000

 

MDC REPORTS MISSOURI HUNTERS HARVESTED 12 BLACK BEARS THIS SEASON

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports that Missouri hunters harvested 12 black bears during the state’s third bear-hunting season, Oct. 16–25.

More than 5,370 hunters applied during May for 400 permits for the season with the maximum total harvest being 40 bears. Of the 400 hunters selected through a random drawing of all applicants, 342 hunters purchased permits for the season. 

Bear hunting in Missouri is limited to Missouri residents and restricted to three designated areas of southern Missouri called Bear Management Zones (BMZ). Each permit issued is for a specific BMZ and hunting is limited to public or private property within the BMZ.

Nine bears were harvested in BMZ 1 out of a maximum of 20 with 173 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. Three bears were harvested in BMZ 2 out of a maximum of 15 with 125 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. No bears were harvested in BMZ 3 out of a maximum of 5 with 44 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone.

All bears were harvested using firearms methods. Of the 12 bears harvested, three were boars (males) and nine were sows (female).

Learn more about Missouri black bears and bear hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/bear.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 9, 2023

 

NEW BRIDGE OVER I-70 OPENS TO TRAFFIC

The new Route BB overpass bridge over I-70 at Exit 115 in Boone County opened Wednesday to traffic.  MODOT demolished the old bridge back in June as part of its replacement project for the I-70 Missouri River Bridge, commonly referred to as the Rocheport Bridge.  The new westbound portion of the bridge opened in June.  The eastbound portion of the bridge is scheduled to be completed sometime in December 2024.  They also stated that they plan to blast the last footings of the old bridge next week.

 

COMMISSION AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR PROJECTS IN NORTHEAST DISTRICT

During its regular meeting on November 1, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the following contracts for seal coat, resurfacing, bridge rehabilitation, concrete pavement repairs and pavement marking projects in the Northeast District. 

  • A $14M contract was awarded to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. for resurfacing projects in Adair and Schuyler counties at the following locations:
    1. U.S. Route 63 - From the Iowa state line to 0.6 mile north of Business Route 63 near Kirksville in Adair County
    2. Missouri Route 202 - From the Iowa state line to U.S. Route 63 near Lancaster in Schuyler County
      • A $8.8M contract was awarded to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. for seal coat and resurfacing projects in Adair, Macon and Randolph counties at the following locations:
  1. Missouri Route 3 - Seal coat from U.S. Route 24 east junction to Missouri Route 129 at Roanoke in Randolph County
  2. Missouri Route 3 - Resurfacing from Missouri Route 11 in Adair County to U.S. Route 24 at Clifton Hill in Randolph County
  3. Route C - Resurfacing from U.S. Route 36 in Macon County to Route JJ at Huntsville in Randolph County
    • A $4.7M contract was awarded to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. for seal coating and resurfacing projects in Audrain, Marion and Ralls counties at the following locations:
  1. Missouri Route 79 - Resurfacing from 0.3 mile south of the I-72 interchange to 0.5 mile north of Route T in Hannibal in Marion County
  2. Route F - Resurfacing from Missouri Route 19 in Ralls County to north of Daniels Avenue near Vandalia in Audrain County
  3. Route V - Resurfacing from Business Route 61 in New London to Route T in Ralls County
  4. Route A - Seal coat and resurfacing from Route J to Business Route 61 in New London in Ralls County
  5. Route T - Resurfacing from 0.8 mile south of Missouri Route 79 in Hannibal in Marion County to Route V in Ralls County
    • A $730,000 contract was awarded to Capital Paving & Construction, LLC, for resurfacing project on Missouri Route 129, from U.S. Route 36 near New Cambria in Macon County to the Chariton County line.
    • A $1.6M contract was awarded to Thomas Industrial Coatings, Inc., for a bridge deck sealing and fence painting project on Missouri Route 19, over the Missouri River and Loutre River near Hermann in Montgomery County.
    • A $1.1M contract was awarded to STF, LLC DBA Traffic Control Company, for pavement marking on I-70 and U.S. Route 61, in Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls and Warren counties.

MISSOURI STATE TREASURER VIVEK MALEK VISITS MACON COUNTY, TALKS MOBUCK$ PROGRAM WITH LOCAL LEADERS

Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek visited with local leaders Wednesday at the Macon County Collector Building in Macon. He discussed the local impact of the MOBUCK$ low-interest loan program, and shared his plan to work on legislation that would expand the successful program’s capacity.

Due to inflationary pressures, the Federal Reserve Bank has continued to raise interest rates. As a result, the State Treasurer’s MOBUCK$ low-interest loan program has become a lifeline for farmers and small business owners. Since March 2022, the Fed has increased interest rates 11 times, resulting in the highest rate in 22 years. Through the MOBUCK$ program, lenders are allowed to lower interest rates to the borrower by about 2-3 percent.

During the past program year, October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023, the MO BUCK$ low-interest loan program provided over $1.5 million in low-interest rate loans in Macon County.

State Treasurer Vivek Malek said, “The MOBUCK$ program helps small business owners and farmers get low-interest loans at a time of historically high interest rates. This program has been a game-changer for folks in Macon County, and that’s why I’m going to continue to fight for it.”

In May 2023, the State Treasurer's Office indefinitely suspended acceptance of MOBUCK$ applications due to a statutory limit on the total dollar amount available to loan. Due to the increased demand, Treasurer Malek is asking the Missouri General Assembly to expand the program’s capacity to help small business owners and farmers. The General Assembly is scheduled to return in regular session beginning on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024.

Due to expiration of some existing MOBUCK$ loans, funds will become available to resume acceptance of applications. As a result, the State Treasurer's Office will begin accepting new applications for loans beginning Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. However, if demand remains high, and the statutory limit is not increased, available funds are likely to be exhausted and the application portal will be closed again which will force Missouri small businesses, including farmers and ranchers, to pay higher interest rates.  

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 8, 2023

 

THREE MEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Three men were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 4:10pm Monday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 48 year old William Hammer of Villa Ridge failed to yield for a red traffic light and traveled through the intersection of Missouri 100 and Route M when his truck was struck in the rear by a tractor trailer driven by 57 year old Fred Berryman of Hermann which caused the truck to rotate counter clockwise and then struck a vehicle driven by 58 year old James Klestinske of Pacific which in turn caused a tire from the truck to become dislodged and rolled onto the eastbound lanes of Missouri 100 where it was struck by a car driven by 55 year old Shari Price of Pacific.  All three men sustained serious injuries in the accident.

 

DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK

63 year old Mark Garnett of St. Catherine was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Shelby County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 10am as he was on MO 151 when his freightliner dump truck ran off the right side of the road, he overcorrected, causing it to overturn.  He was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment.   

 

MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

The following incidents/arrests were investigated by the Moberly Police Department between the hours of 7am on 11/03/2023 and 7am 11/06/2023.

 

On November 3, 2023, a Moberly Officer observed a truck being operated in a careless manor on Morley St near Rollins St. The Officer initiated a traffic stop and contacted a 21-year-old Moberly man. The Officer suspected the man to be operating the vehicle under the influence of an intoxicating beverage. The man was placed under arrest and later released on a summons to appear in court.

 

On November 3, 2023, a Moberly Officer observed 35-year-old Adam Collins in the 500 block of S. Ault St. Collins was found to have an active Randolph County warrant for original charges of felony driving while revoked. Adams was transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On November 4, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to the area of Highway 63 and Urbandale Dr in reference to a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lane. An Officer initiated a traffic stop on the suspected vehicle in the 400 block of Urbandale Dr. The 60-year-old driver was arrested for operating the vehicle while intoxicated. During an inventory of the vehicle, Officers located suspected crack cocaine. The driver and 64-year-old passenger were placed under arrest for delivery of a controlled substance. Both subjects were transported to the Randolph County Jail.  

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 7, 2023

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12:45am Sunday in Boone County.  The patrol says that 21 year old Ethan Lammers of Ashland was on Route A when he failed to navigate a turn and his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a telephone pole.  He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. 

 

DRIVER INJURED IN ONE-VEHICLE WRECK

36 year old Anthony Stone of Godfrey, IL was injured in a one-vehicle wreck in Ralls County.  The highway patrol said he was on Route J 2 miles east of Monroe City when his vehicle ran off the left side of the road and struck a guardrail.  He was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.  The wreck happened at 2:50pm Saturday.

 

WOMAN HURT IN SHELBY COUNTY CRASH

A Clarence woman was hurt in a Saturday afternoon crash in Shelby County.  State troopers stated that 79 year old Theresa Cross was on Business Highway 36 at East Street in Clarence when her SUV went off the left side of the road and struck a utility pole.  She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.  The crash occurred at around 12:40pm Saturday.

 

GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES TWO JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

Governor Mike Parson has announced judicial appointments to the 12th and 36th Judicial Circuits.

Kathleen Joyce, of Wright City, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Warren County in the 12th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Joyce is currently the owner of Joyce Law LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Lindenwood University and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. Ms. Joyce will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Michael S. Wright to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

Kacey L. Proctor, of Poplar Bluff, will be appointed as Circuit Judge for the 36th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Proctor currently serves as the Butler County Prosecuting Attorney. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Southeast Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. Mr. Proctor will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Michael M. Pritchett.

 

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AWARDS NEARLY $120,000 IN GRANTS TO NEW HAMPTON AND JAMESPORT

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded Clean Water Engineering Report grants totaling nearly $120,000 to the cities of New Hampton ($62,470) and Jamesport ($56,250). Each community will use the funding to evaluate its public wastewater system.

The grant offers funding to qualified communities to help cover engineering costs for evaluating water and wastewater system improvements. New Hampton and Jamesport will both use their grant to identify wastewater system improvements needed to meet permit requirements, continue reliable service to the area and reduce stormwater infiltration into sewer collection pipes. Both facility plans should be complete in April 2025.

The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 6, 2023

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Wednesday, November 1 at approximately 2:57pm, an alert resident informed Mexico Public Safety about some suspicious people around some storage units in the 4000 block of E Liberty.  Responding personnel located Stephanie N Bowden, age 27 of Centralia and Quaid D Johnson, age 30 of Mexico.  Bowden had outstanding arrest warrants out of Audrain County, Jefferson City, and Mexico.  Johnson had an outstanding arrest warrant out of Callaway County.  The two were also wanted by MPSD in connection to several thefts that occurred over the summer months.  They were processed at MPSD and taken to the Audrain County Jail for the outstanding warrants.  Additional cases will be forwarded to the Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

 

On Wednesday, November 1 at approximately 6:47pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 500 block of N Missouri in reference to a fire alarm.  MPSD was advised that a private alarm company was reporting smoke in the home.  Responding personnel found that no one was home at the time but that there was a fire in the basement.  The fire was quickly extinguished with that portion of the basement suffering some fire and heat damage.  It appeared the fire was caused by careless disposal of smoking material.  There were no injuries from the incident. 

 

MISSOURI WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK IS THIS WEEK

Last week’s cool temperatures are a reminder that winter – and the snow, sleet and ice that come along with it – is just around the corner. To help Missourians prepare and stay safe during the winter months, the National Weather Service (NWS) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are partnering to promote Nov. 6 – 10, 2023, as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Missouri.

SEMA and NWS Forecast Offices serving Missouri will be sharing winter weather safety messaging via social media throughout the week. Each day will focus on a different theme:

Monday, Nov. 6 – Winter Weather Terminology

Tuesday, Nov. 7 – Ice Safety 

Wednesday, Nov. 8 – Snow Safety

Thursday, Nov. 9 – Extreme Cold, Hypothermia and Frostbite

Friday, Nov. 10 – Planning for Snow, Ice and Cold

 

Often, too little attention is paid to the danger posed by prolonged exposure to the cold. According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, 52 people died in Missouri as a result of low body temperatures due to prolonged exposure to cold weather in 2022.

 

Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing in several layers. Avoid alcohol, limit time spent outdoors in frigid temperatures and stay indoors if possible. Find more information on hypothermia and nearby warming center locations on the DHSS website at health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hypothermia/.

 

Road safety is also a concern during the winter months. According to preliminary results provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were more than 7,500 vehicle crashes in Missouri in 2022 in which snow, sleet, hail or ice were factors, which resulted in 1,969 injuries and 51 deaths. 

Even if not directly involved in a crash, an accident blocking the roadway could cause other drivers to be stranded for hours. Avoiding non-essential travel during winter storms is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of becoming stranded or involved in a crash. It also allows snow removal crews to clear the roads faster and first responders to get to crashes more quickly.

Missourians should also consider these winter weather preparedness tips:  

Create a family emergency plan and emergency kit. Emergency supplies should include bottled water, canned and dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first-aid kit. When power outages are possible, charge cell phones and other devices in advance so you are able to communicate if power is lost.

Assemble a vehicle winter emergency kit. Include a blanket, radio/spare batteries, snacks/energy bars, jumper cables, flares and a shovel/sand or shingles for tire traction.

Avoid driving when conditions could deteriorate. Postpone travel if possible. If driving is absolutely necessary, keep your gas tank more than half full and your cell phone charged. Save emergency numbers for fast dialing. Check road conditions in advance on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Map at traveler.modot.org/map/. Allow extra time, expect delays, reduce speed and increase following distance. If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay in the vehicle and call for help.

Make sure alternate heat and power sources such as fireplaces, woodstoves, kerosene heaters and generators function properly. These sources can be dangerous and must be regularly maintained and operated. Keep the correct fuel for each source on hand in a safe location. Proper ventilation is essential. Properly install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Only operate generators outdoors.

Remember space heaters are potentially deadly when misused. Space heaters account for approximately one-third of home heating fires and 80 percent of home heating fire deaths. Supplemental heating sources like these should be turned off when leaving a room or going to bed. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from heating equipment.

For more winter weather preparedness tips, including safe driving techniques and avoiding injury while shoveling, please visit mo.gov/winter-weather-safety/.

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Audrain County

Route M – November 14, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route FF to CR 936 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 151 – November 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 22 to CR 108 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 151 – November 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 128 to CR 148 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Missouri Route 151 – November 17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 148 to CR 1006 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Lincoln County

Route WW – November 7-8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route J to Whispering Oak Woods Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – November 10, LANE RESTRICTION for clean-up following a recent traffic incident from 0.5 miles north of Big Creek to Dietrich Road between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Marion County

Route C – November 6, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 239 to CR 237 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route C – November 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route DD to CR 229 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route C – November 7-8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 229 to CR 276 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route C – November 8-9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 229 to CR 276 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Monroe County

Route AA – November 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from east of CR 965 to west of CR 956 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route AA – November 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from east of CR 831 to west of CR 835 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route M – November 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from east of CR 921 to west of CR 931 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Montgomery County

Route E – November 13-14, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Rock Road to Opossum Trot between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route FF – November 15-17, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route E to New Truxton Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Pike County

Route HH – November 6, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from U.S. Route 61 to CR 309 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route HH – November 7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 309 to CR 318 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route HH – November 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 318 to Pike County line between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Ralls County

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – November 6-8, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from one mile before and after Salt River bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A 13-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) – November 8, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Fifth Street at New London to Business 61 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Randolph County

Route T – November 6-7, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route B to one mile south of Route B between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route T – November 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 2965 to 1.5 miles south of CR 2965 between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route DD – November 13-15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from one mile north of Route Z to two miles north of Route Z between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Route DD – November 16, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 0.5 miles south of Route Z to one mile south of Route Z between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Shelby County

Route Y – November 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 151 to CR 503 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route WW - November 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 15 to Route A between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 3, 2023

 

WOMAN INJURED IN EARLY THURSDAY MORNING ACCIDENT

A woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 1:10am Thursday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 40 year old Amy Brehe of Beaufort was on US 50 when her vehicle struck an animal in the roadway.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

 

TEEN HURT IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH

A teen was hurt in a Wednesday morning crash in Pike County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at 10:55am as 19 year old Joseph Musgrove of Moscow Mills was on US 61 when he swerved to avoid a vehicle driven by 27 year old Joshua Adams of Silex, overcorrected and struck the drivers side of the vehicle.  Musgrove sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital Lincoln for treatment.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Friday, October 27 at approximately 2:55pm the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of the 600 block of Green Boulevard in reference to a woman stuck on a cell phone tower.  Responding personnel found a 37-year-old Mexico woman about 75’ up the tower.  The woman later stated she had climbed the tower to get a good look at the changing leaves, lost her shoe, and became unable to get down.  Aerial 213 responded, and personnel safely got the woman down.  The owner of the tower responded to better secure it and the woman was taken to University of Missouri Hospital for treatment.  MPSD will forward a case to the Audrain County Prosecutor for Trespassing 1st degree.

 

TWO SCHOOL BUSES AT MACON R-1 CAUGHT ON FIRE WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Two school buses at Macon R-1 caught on fire Wednesday night in Macon.  According to KTVO crews from the Macon Fire Department responded to a call to the Macon R-1 School District at around 9pm and found two buses in the bus barn on fire.  Macon Fire Chief Travis Austin stated that when firefighters arrived they had to battle a strong blaze.  He also said that they were able to extinguish the fire just after 9:15pm Wednesday.  The two buses appear to be a total loss and the bus barn received significant damage.  No one was injured in the fire and school was in session on Thursday.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 2, 2023

 

WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT

A woman was injured in an accident that occurred at around 4:15pm Tuesday in Morgan County.  The patrol says that 37 year old Shaina Chavez of Gravois Mills was on Route J when she failed to drive on the right half of the roadway, causing her car to travel off the right edge of the road, she overcorrected and it went off the left edge of the roadway, struck a road sign and overturned.  She was taken to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

The following incidents/arrests were investigated by the Moberly Police Department between the hours of 7am on 10/30/2023 and 7am 11/01/2023.

 

On October 30, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to the 1700 block of S. Williams St in reference to a female passed out behind the wheel of a parked vehicle.  Contact was made with a 60-year-old female who was unconscious at the time of contact.  The female was awakened and found to be impaired.  The female was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated.  Officers also located suspected methamphetamine in the vehicle.  The female was later transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

RURAL BRIDGE PROGRAM TO IMPROVE ACCESS ACROSS NORTHERN MISSOURI COMPLETED

The last of 31 bridges in a bundled replacement project opened in northern Missouri this month, marking the completion of the Fixing Access to Rural Missouri (FARM) Bridge Program. The program replaced 31 bridges across northern Missouri that were weight-restricted, supported by timber piles, in poor condition, and were one lane but carried two-way traffic.

The replacements were funded by a $20.8 million Competitive Highway Bridge Program grant from the Federal Highway Administration in 2018, as well as $5.2 million from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The full list of bridge replacements is available on MoDOT’s website: Fixing Access to Rural Missouri (FARM) Bridge Program | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org) 

 

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS DIRECTOR TO STEP DOWN AFTER DECADES-LONG CAREER IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Anne Precythe has announced that her last day with the state of Missouri will be December 5, 2023. She has served as director of Missouri DOC since January 2017, following a 30-year career in the North Carolina Division of Community Corrections, where she retired as director in 2017.  She plans to return home to North Carolina to enjoy a well-earned retirement with friends and family. 

Precythe has been responsible for 19 adult correctional facilities, six community supervision centers, two transition centers, and more than 40 probation and parole districts.

Under Precythe’s leadership, the Missouri Department of Corrections has implemented dozens of major innovations to advance its mission of improving lives for safer communities in the state of Missouri:

Justice Reinvestment programs supporting more comprehensive and effective probation and parole supervision

Reentry programs, reentry centers, and transition centers better preparing Missourians for post-incarceration success

New higher-education partnerships and vocational training programs

A custom workplace-culture model and supervisory support system

Investment of nearly $175 million in staff pay raises

New staff health, safety, wellness, and trauma services

Transformation of staff training and development

Measurable improvements in staff morale, recruitment, and retention

Data-informed decision-making and evidence-based practices 

While director of DOC in Missouri, Precythe also served on the National Institute of Corrections Advisory Board, the Correctional Leaders Association Executive Committee, the Council of State Governments Justice Center Advisory Board, and the inaugural class of the Council on Criminal Justice. She has been president of the national Correctional Leaders Association since 2020.

A DOC interim director will be announced in the coming days prior to Precythe's last day with the state on December 5. 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

November 1, 2023

 

TWO INJURED IN MONDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

Both drivers from Washington were injured in a Monday afternoon crash in Franklin County.  State troopers stated that 29 year old Chad Siskind was on Highway AD when his car crossed the center of the road and struck a car driven by 21 year old Clare Mense.  The man sustained moderate injuries while the woman suffered minor injuries.  Both were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.  The crash happened at 2:50pm Monday.

 

MAN INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK

29 year old Jack Merrick of New London was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Marion County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at around 10:45pm as he was on Route MM when a deer ran into the roadway and was struck by his vehicle.  He was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

TWO INJURED IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT

Two Brookfield residents were injured in an accident that occurred at around 6:30am Tuesday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 32 year old Jessica Noker was on US 36 2 miles east of Brookfield when she pulled into the path of an SUV driven by 38 year old Mark Davis. Both sustained moderate injuries and Noker was taken to University Hospital in Columbia while Davis was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment.

 

PSC COLD WEATHER RULE TAKES EFFECT NOVEMBER 1

The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule, designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills, begins on November 1, 2023.  The rule will remain in effect through March 31, 2024.  It has been a part of the Commission’s rules and regulations since 1977.  The Cold Weather Rule applies to natural gas and electric utilities under PSC jurisdiction that provide heat-related service.  Municipally operated systems, cooperatives and those that provide propane delivered by truck are not under PSC jurisdiction.

 

The Cold Weather Rule:

· Prohibits the disconnection of heat-related service when the temperature is predicted to drop below 32 degrees during the following 24 hour period.

· Provides more lenient payment terms permitting reconnection of service for natural gas

and/or electric customers.

· Allows customers to budget payments over 12 months.

· Requires that customers be notified by mail 10 days before the date the utility intends to shut off service; an attempt be made to contact the customer within 96 hours before the shut off; an attempt be made to contact the customer right before the shut off; and that notice is left at the home when service has been shut off.

· Requires the customer be notified of possible financial help in paying the utility bill.

· Allows for the reconnection of service for less than the full amount owed.

A customer may register with the utility if:

§ They are 65 years of age or older;

§ Disabled to the extent that they have filed with the utility a form submitted by a medical physician attesting that their household must have natural gas or electric utility service provided in the home to maintain life or health; or

§ They have obtained a formal award letter issued from the federal government of disability benefits.  A customer who is registered with the utility company as elderly or disabled will receive additional notifications prior to a proposed discontinuance of service during the Cold Weather Rule period.  They may also be eligible for additional minimum payment arrangements.

If a customer is faced with a heat-related utility bill that cannot be paid in full, it is important to:

1) Contact the utility company.

2) State an inability to pay the bill in full.

3) Provide monthly or annual income information.

4) Make a minimum payment.

5) Enter into a payment agreement.

For more information on the PSC’s Cold Weather Rule, please see the Commission’s website at www.psc.mo.gov or call the Commission’s Consumer Services hotline at 1-800-392-4211.

Consumers can also receive Cold Weather Rule information from their local natural gas or electric company or the local community action agency. In addition, there may be additional programs available to consumers seeking assistance in paying their heating bills.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 31, 2023

 

TWO INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two Washington drivers were injured in an accident that occurred at around 7:30am Monday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 3 vehicles were stopped in traffic on Highway 47 when the chain-reaction accident occurred as 19 year old Lillian Mueller failed to stop and her car struck an SUV driven by 50 year old Travis Little which in turn struck the third vehicle which then was pushed into the fourth vehicle.  Both Mueller and Little were taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

WOMAN HURT IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

A Springfield woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon in Franklin County.  It happened at 4:45pm as 31 year old Kathleen Sholley was westbound on I-44 and driving too fast for conditions during a rain storm when she lost control and her car spun out and ran off the right side of the road, went down a steep embankment and overturned.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY MORNING CRASH

81 year old Richard Bolch of Norborne was hurt in a Monday morning crash in Carroll County.  MSHP stated that he was on MO 210 when his car crossed the center line and went off the left side of the road, struck a post and came to rest in an embankment.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Carroll County Memorial Hospital for treatment.  The crash happened at 7:30am Monday.

 

MSHP: HAVE A SAFE HALLOWEEN!!!

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to have a safe Halloween.

It’s that time of year when young ghosts, vampires, superheroes, and cartoon characters are planning their night of trick-or-treating. While some local events take place in large parking lots the weekend prior, many trick-or-treaters will be out on Halloween night. It’s imperative that drivers and pedestrians stay alert.

Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. Expect an increase in the number of slow-moving vehicles in neighborhoods as motorists pick up and drop off trick-or-treaters. Please be courteous and stay alert for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers─when you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone!

Parents, please remind children to approach only familiar houses that are well-lit. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle. Consider trick-or-treating with your children for their safety and because it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Give some thought to safety when choosing a costume. Consider using make-up rather than wearing a mask, which can obstruct a child's vision making it difficult to see an oncoming car. A light-colored costume is easier for drivers to see at night and adding reflective tape to dark costumes makes them visible. Flame resistant costumes are encouraged.

All trick-or-treaters are reminded to watch for traffic while they are out and about this Halloween. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible and trick-or-treat while it is light outside. If you do go out after dark, increase your visibility by using a flashlight and wearing a light-colored costume. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups.

Halloween isn’t just for children. Many adults enjoy dressing up and visiting haunted houses or attending gatherings of friends. If you are driving to a costume party, make sure your costume doesn’t hamper your vision. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, designate a sober driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Driving after you've had alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 30, 2023

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Montgomery City man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 11:30pm Friday in Montgomery County.  The patrol says that 23 year old Zachary Urevich was on Wilson Street when he lost control and his UTV overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

ONE KILLED, ANOTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK

One man was killed while another man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Boone County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 12:20am as 29 year old David Williams of Harrisburg was on Route J when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to run off the left side of the road, hit a fence and overturned, ejecting both the driver and his passenger from the truck.  Williams was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries, while 27 year old Cory Crowley of Harrisburg was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN FRIDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

53 year old Nathan Herold of Palmyra was hurt in a motorcycle crash Friday afternoon in Marion County.  State troopers stated that he was on Highway C on private property when he lost control of his motorcycle and it ran off the left side of the road and overturned.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.  The crash happened at around 3:45pm Friday.

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Lincoln County

Route A – November 1, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from White Road to 300 feet west of White Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route A – November 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Bethel Branch Road to Parc Forest Trail between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – November 3, LANE RESTRICTION for clean-up following a recent traffic incident from 0.5 miles north of Big Creek to Dietrich Road between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Route WW – November 7-8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route J to Whispering Oak Woods Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Monroe County

Route M – October 30, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 100 feet east of CR 1003 to 100 feet west of CR 1003 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route AA – November 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 959 to CR 965 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County

Route A – October 30, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Scott Road to Hopewell Church Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.   

Route A – October 31, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Hopewell Church Road to Dove Hill Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Ralls County

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – November 1, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route O to Missouri Route 19 between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) – November 2, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Missouri Route 19 to Route O between 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – November 6-8, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from one mile before and after the Salt River bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily. A 13-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 27, 2023

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Union man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 1:55pm Wednesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 25 year old Devin Goddard was westbound on I-44 when his car caught on fire and traveled off the roadway before overturning.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

WOMAN HURT IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH

22 year old Caitlyn Trenkle of Mineral Point was hurt in a Wednesday morning crash in Franklin County.  State troopers stated that she was on Highway N when her car ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree.  She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.  The crash happened at 7:10am Wednesday.

 

DRIVER INJURED IN ONE-VEHICLE WRECK THURSDAY MORNING

A Hannibal driver was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday morning in Shelby County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6:30am as 44 year old Justin White was on US 36 when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.  He was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Tuesday, October 17th, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to reports of numerous thefts from motor vehicles.  The thefts occurred during the previous overnight hours in the southwest part of Mexico.  Area video indicates that four people were involved and they were traveling in a dark colored SUV.  As a result of information provided by alert residents, a 15 year-old male juvenile was detained at about 3:22pm.  The juvenile was processed at MPSD returned to the custody of his family on an ankle monitor by the 12th Circuit Court-Juvenile Division.

 

Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.   

 

On Monday, October 9 at approximately 3:01am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 200 block of E Jackson in reference to a fire.  This was the apartment building fire where Shelia Ball died.  Investigation into the cause of the fire was conducted by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office and MPSD.  It was determined the fire started in the north portion of the apartment next to Ms Ball’s.  This area was a bedroom and bathroom.  A resident of that apartment reported being in the bedroom with another person prior to leaving for about a half hour.  When the resident returned, their apartment was on fire.  Careless disposal of smoking material cannot be ruled out as the cause of the fire.   

 

SHELBYVILLE MAN ARRESTED FOR STATUTORY RAPE AND SODOMY  

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Faren J. Lindsey, 46, of Shelbyville, Missouri.  Lindsey was arrested on October 25 for three counts of statutory sodomy, one count of statutory rape, and one count of forcible rape following an investigation by the Troop B Criminal Investigative Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.

In July 2022, the Kirksville Police Department requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control investigate the sexual assault of a minor female, reported to have been committed by Faren J. Lindsey, in his former residence, located in Kirksville, Missouri. Investigators learned Lindsey had allegedly sexually assaulted the underage female victim several times over a two-year period beginning in July 1999. On October 25, 2023, the results of the investigation were presented to an Adair County grand jury, who formally indicted Lindsey with three counts of statutory sodomy, one count of statutory rape, and one count of forcible rape. On October 25, 2023, Lindsey was taken into custody and transported to the Macon County Jail where he is currently being held, with a $75,000 cash only bond.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 26, 2023

 

TWO INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

Two people were injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred just before 1pm Tuesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 55 year old Troy Larkins of Pacific was on Highway OO and traveling too fast for conditions when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his motorcycle to overturn and eject both the man and his passenger 43 year old Theresa Ackerman of St. Louis from it.  Larkins sustained moderate injuries while Ackerman suffered minor injuries.  Both were taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment. 

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

71 year old Gale Wilkerson of Paris was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Monroe County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 3:10pm as he was on Route M when his dump truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, using it to run off the left side of the road and overturned.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. 

 

STATE AWARDS $12 MILLION IN ARPA FUNDING TO EXPAND CELLULAR SERVICE STATEWIDE

The Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced that it has awarded a total of $12 million through the Cell Towers Grant Program for 29 projects.  Grant awards will be used to construct new towers that provide quality cellular service and greater 911 connectivity to high-cost areas.  The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is focused on investing in the expansion of cellular service statewide.

Projects receiving funds through the Cell Towers Grant Program are expected to serve more than 17,000 high-need locations that previously lacked quality cellular service. The program, administered by DED’s Office of Broadband Development, was launched in May 2023 and awarded competitive grants to applicants who also contributed private funding in addition to grant funds. Each awarded project will result in the construction of one cellular tower, for a total of 29 new towers built statewide.

DED will open a second round of funding through the Cell Towers Grant Program beginning October 20, 2023. Of the original $20 million appropriated by Governor Parson and the General Assembly, $7.9 million will be available for eligible providers and tower owners for the construction of new towers.

Since its first round, the Cell Towers Grant Program has been modified to better clarify the application and challenge processes. Future funding rounds will award recipients based on proposed projects’ proximity to existing towers that provide a minimum quality signal. The program’s application portal will close on November 10, 2023, with awards projected to be announced on December 29, 2023.  Details are available in the program guidelines.

Details on recipients of the Cell Towers Grant Program are available here.

To learn more about DED’s ARPA-funded grant programs, visit ded.mo.gov/arpa.

 

MISSOURI COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMISSION ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF FOUR NEW AMERICORPS PLANNING GRANTS AND TWO OPERATIONAL GRANTS

The Missouri Community Service Commission (MCSC) has announced the recipients of four new AmeriCorps planning grants and two new operational grants. As the organization responsible for overseeing AmeriCorps programs in Missouri, grants awarded by MCSC will strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

AmeriCorps planning grants support organizations in preparing to compete for an AmeriCorps program grant in the following grant cycle, while operational grants fund organizations ready to establish, operate, or expand an AmeriCorps program.

AmeriCorps Planning Grants Recipients:

Missouri Humanities (Statewide)

Expanding the capacity of rural historical societies and cultural institutions to promote and preserve local heritage.

UNITEC Solar Training Program (Statewide)

Developing a new vocational program that will train students in the understanding, installation, management, and maintenance of solar power systems.

United Way of Southeast Missouri (Cape Girardeau)

Eliminating barriers to economic mobility through increased transportation and childcare resources.

Branches for the Lake (Osage Beach)

Developing a multi-use recreational trail that will increase connectivity to schools, businesses, healthcare providers, and government services.

AmeriCorps Operational Grants Recipients:

The Foodbank for Central and Northeast Missouri (Columbia)

Addressing issues of food-insecurity and food access across a 32-county region in central and northeast Missouri.

University of Missouri System – Disaster Preparedness AmeriCorps (Kansas City)

Preparing older adults for potential disasters through mitigation, preparation, response and recovery.

Recipients of MCSC’s latest AmeriCorps planning and operational grants join 25 current grantees for a total of 31 grantees in the AmeriCorps Missouri portfolio.  To learn more about AmeriCorps grants awarded by MCSC, visit showmeservice.org/americorps-programs/.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 25, 2023

 

MAN INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Bowling Green man was injured in an accident that occurred at 7:50pm Monday in Pike County.  The patrol says that 60 year old Randall Potter was on US 54 when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch.  He was transported by ambulance to Pike County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK

64 year old William Strieker of New London was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Marion County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 5:25pm as he was on MO 168 when his truck ran off the right side of the road, struck a culvert and overturned.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Sunday, October 22 at approximately 7:12pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the US Highway 54 bypass, about 1 mile from E Liberty Street, in reference to a crash.  Responding personnel found that a 2016 Dodge was being driven northbound by 34 year old Kelly B Rolando of Pleasant Hill, IL, when it crossed the centerline and struck a 2022 Tesla being driven southbound by 62 year old Jeffrey M Jappa of St. Louis.  Both Rolando and Jappa died as a result of the crash.  A front seat passenger in the Tesla, Cheryl A Pro, age 63 of St. Louis, was transported to University Hospital by ambulance where she was admitted for care.  The bypass was closed for approximately 2 ½ hours.

 

NEW MISSOURI LAW STRENGTHENS ANNUAL BUCKLE UP PHONE DOWN DAY

For the first time in its seven-year history, Buckle Up Phone Down is the law in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, along with various safety partners across the state, are marking this milestone during the seventh annual Buckle Up Phone Down Day challenge on Oct. 25.

In August, the Siddens-Bening Hands-Free Law took effect in Missouri, prohibiting all drivers from using a handheld electronic communication device while driving. The law aims to address distracted driving, which contributed to crashes that claimed the lives of more than 800 people across the state from 2012-2021. Paired with the requirement to wear a seat belt, the enactment of the hands-free legislation means BUPD is officially law in Missouri.

Under this law, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body; manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages; recording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; and watching a video or movie.

Since the creation of BUPD in 2017, Missouri’s seat belt usage rate reached an all-time high and the percentage of fatalities who were unbuckled has decreased. The movement has collected more than 35,000 pledges to BUPD and has expanded to more than a dozen states across the country.

Drivers can accept the challenge to BUPD at modot.org/bupd and spread the word on social media using the hashtags #BUPD and #BUPDDay.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 24, 2023

 

WOMAN KILLED IN WARREN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Hawk Point woman was killed in an accident that occurred just before 6am Monday in Warren County.  The patrol says that 38 year old Jamie Whitman was on Highway 47 when her car ran off the road, struck a culvert and also a tree.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

FOUR INJURED, TWO SERIOUSLY IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

Four people from Moberly were injured, two seriously in a Sunday afternoon crash in Randolph County.  State troopers stated that a tractor trailer driven by 21 year old Tyler Callahan of Jacksonville was on US 63 when he slowed to make a turn and was struck in the rear by an SUV driven by 29 year old Mercedes Simmons.  Simmons and one of her passengers’ 41 year old Justin Dellis sustained serious injuries, while her other two passenger’s a 2 year old and 5 year old boys suffered minor injuries.  All four were transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.  The crash happened at around 1:10pm Sunday.

 

DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK

29 year old Evan Bankovich of Sedalia was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Saline County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6:35am as he was westbound on I-70 when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.  He was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MDC STRESSES SAFETY FOR NON-HUNTERS DURING HUNTING SEASONS

With deer and turkey hunting underway in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds non-hunters to practice safety measures when a field during hunting seasons.  

“Safety while hunting is ultimately the responsibility of the hunter,” said MDC Hunter Education Coordinator Justin McGuire. “Hunters must clearly identify their targeted game animals before even putting their fingers on the triggers of their firearms or before drawing their bows when archery hunting. They must also be aware of what is behind their targets and should never shoot at movement or sound.”

McGuire added that non-hunters out in hunting areas can also practice some safety measures. He and MDC offer these safety tips for non-hunters:

  • Wear bright clothing to be more visible, such as a bright orange hat, jacket, or pack.
  • Place a bright orange vest or bandana on the canines who join you and keep them leashed.
  • Avoid earth-toned or animal-colored clothing such as tan and brown.
  • Be aware that hunters are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when game animals are most active. Be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim.
  • Stay on designated trails. Trails are designed to improve the safety of public users and to protect sensitive habitats. Enjoying recreational activities only on designated trails will reduce the likelihood of entering hunting areas.
  • Whenever venturing into the outdoors, let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return.
  • Make yourself known. If you hear shooting, raise your voice, and let hunters know you are in the area.
  • Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid conflict.
  • Identify hunting seasons and lands open to hunting. Learn where and when hunting is taking place. Plan your recreation activities based on this information. Find information on Missouri hunting seasons at mo.gov/hunting-trapping.
  • Find conservation areas that allow hunting and those that do not by using the MDC Places to Go web feature at mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 23, 2023

 

DEMOLITION OF MO ROUTE 19 BRIDGE OVER I-70 REDUCES TRAFFIC TO ONE LANE

Motorists on Interstate 70 are advised of lane closures resulting in significant delays due to the removal of the old Route 19 bridge at the New Florence/Hermann exit at mile marker 175 in Montgomery County. Weather permitting, October 22 beginning at 7 p.m., I-70 will be reduced to one lane in each direction and traffic will be rerouted over the on/off ramps at the mile marker 175 interchange. In case of inclement weather, this work could be rescheduled on October 29. 

Delays could stretch up to 10 miles in either direction. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area from 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 22 through the afternoon on Monday, October 23.   

For the safety of motorists and the construction team, here are the details of the traffic impacts in place for beginning 7 p.m. on October 22:

I-70 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and will be rerouted over the on/off ramps at the Rte. 19 & I-70 interchange (mile maker 175).

I-70 and Rte. 19 traffic will be completely stopped at approximately 10 p.m. on October 22 for a brief period of up to 20 minutes.

The I-70 North and South Outer Roads, east of Rte. 19 will be closed to westbound through traffic with only local residential traffic allowed between Rte. 19 and High Hill.

The I-70 North and South Outer Roads, west of Rte. 19 will be closed to eastbound through traffic with only local residential traffic allowed from the Danville interchange to Rte. 19.

During this time, while temporary modified traffic patterns are in place, a 10-foot width restriction will be in effect for all traffic utilizing the detour on the ramps at this interchange.

To alleviate congestion, motorists are strongly encouraged to utilize alternate routes for travel.

After the 10 p.m. short-term stoppage of traffic, Rte.19 will be reopened to traffic, and I-70 traffic will continue to be rerouted over the on/off-ramps until the interstate is ready to be reopened in the afternoon of October 23. The I-70 traffic will be given priority at the interchange to all other traffic.

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Audrain County

U.S. Route 54 (Eastbound) – October 24, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Audrain County Road 803 to Callaway County Road 2002 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Knox County

Route K – October 24-25, CLOSED for railroad crossing repairs from 0.78 miles east of Missouri Route 15 in Baring from 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24 and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25. This will be a continuous closure exceeding 24 hours.

Marion County

U.S. Route 24/61 (Eastbound) – October 24, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from CR 341 to CR 332 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

U.S. Route 24/61 (Westbound) – October 24, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Missouri Route 168 to Main Cross Street between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Route C – October 25-27, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Shelby County Route Z to Marion County Route K between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Monroe County

Business Route 24 – October 24-25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Cleveland Street to Missouri Route 154 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route F – October 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations beginning 600 feet west of Missouri Route 15 to 1000 feet west of Missouri Route 15 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route M – October 27, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 100 feet east of CR 1003 to 100 feet west of CR 1003 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Montgomery County

Route FF – October 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Lagemann Road to Oak Hall Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route A – October 30, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Scott Road to Hopewell Church Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.           

Route A – October 31, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Hopewell Church Road to Dove Hill Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Ralls County

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – October 26, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route O to Missouri Route 19 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) October 27, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Missouri Route 19 to Route O between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Shelby County

Route C – October 25-27, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Shelby County Route Z to Marion County Route K between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

 

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 20, 2023

 

COMMISSION AWARDS CONTRACTS FOR PROJECTS IN NORTHEAST DISTRICT

During its regular meeting last week, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the following contracts for a bridge replacement, seal coat and resurfacing projects in the Northeast District. 

A $12.4M contract was awarded to KCI Construction Company, for a bridge replacement project on Missouri Route 79, over Bear Creek, Norfolk Southern Railroad, and Warren Barrett Drive, 0.4 mile north of Route T in Hannibal in Marion County.

 

A $1M contract was awarded to W. L. Miller Company for seal coat projects in Monroe and Shelby counties at the following locations:

Shelby County, Missouri Route 15 - From Missouri Route 168 at Shelbyville to just north of U.S. Route 36 at Shelbina

Monroe/Shelby County, Missouri Route 15 - From 0.2 mile south of U.S. Route 36 at Shelbina to Missouri Route 154 north junction in Monroe County at Paris.

 

A $3.5M contract was awarded to Magruder Paving, LLC for seal coat and resurfacing projects in Lincoln and Montgomery counties at the following locations:

Lincoln County, Route E – Seal coat from Route UU in Silex to U.S. Route 61

Montgomery/Lincoln County, Route E – Resurfacing from I-70 to Route UU in Silex

 

A $4.4M contract was awarded to Christensen Construction Co. for resurfacing projects in Audrain, Boone and Ralls counties at the following locations:

Audrain/Ralls County, Route B - From Missouri Route 154 in Ralls County to U.S. Route 54 in Audrain County, 5.2 miles east of Mexico

Audrain/Boone County, Route D - From Route Z in Boone County to 0.1 mile south of Missouri Route 15 at Mexico in Audrain County

Audrain/Boone County, Route FF - From Route Z in Boone County to 1 mile west of Missouri Route 15 at Mexico in Audrain County

Audrain County, Route M - From Route FF to Route D near Mexico

 

A $1M contract was awarded to W. L. Miller Company for seal coat projects in Pike County at the following locations:

Missouri Route 79 - From 0.9 mile south of U.S. Route 54 east junction in Louisiana to Lincoln County line

Route B - From U.S. Route 61 near Frankford to Missouri Route 79

 

A $6.4M contract was awarded to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., for resurfacing projects in Macon, Monroe and Randolph counties at the locations listed below. The projects below are included in Gov. Parson’s Rural Road program.

Macon County, Route DD - From U.S. Route 63 to Route K

Macon County, Route T- From Missouri Route 3 to U.S. Route 63

Randolph County, Route CC - From Route J to Route K

Randolph County, Route K - From U.S. Route 63 at Cairo to Missouri Route 151

Macon County, Route AA - From Route K to the end of state maintenance

Randolph County, Route FF - From Route CC to the end of state maintenance

Randolph/Monroe County, Route M - From U.S. Route 63 in Randolph County to Missouri Route 151 in Monroe County 

 

PSC GRANTS CONFLUENCE RIVERS UTILITY OPERATING COMPANY REQUEST TO PURCHASE WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS IN LINCOLN COUNTY

The Missouri Public Service Commission has granted a request filed by Confluence Rivers Utility Operating Company, Inc. (Confluence) to acquire all or substantially all

of the water and sewer system assets of the currently unregulated systems of Lincoln County Water and Sewer, LLC (LCWS). The Commission also granted Confluence a certificate of convenience and necessity to operate the systems and provide service to the public.  According to the application, the LCWS assets are located in and around the Quail Ridge subdivision in Lincoln County near Moscow Mills, Missouri. To provide service to the proposed areas, Confluence states it will purchase the existing water and sewer systems.  Confluence will adopt the existing water and sewer rates in place for Quail Run customers-a fixed monthly water rate of $17.50, and a fixed monthly sewer rate of $17.50. Those proposed rates would be in effect until such time as the rates are modified according to law.

The Commission approved the application determining: 1) There is a need for the service; 2) Confluence is qualified to provide the proposed service; 3) Confluence has the financial ability to provide the service; 4) Confluence’s proposal is economically feasible; and 5) The service promotes the public interest.

Confluence provides service to approximately 4,830 water connections and 5,053 sewer

connections in Missouri. Lincoln County Water and Sewer, LLC provides water and sewer services to approximately 434 residential connections.

 

JOBS REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,200 jobs in September 2023, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point. Private industry employment increased by 4,700 jobs and government employment increased by 500 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.9 percent in September 2023, up from 2.8 percent in August 2023. Over the year, there was an increase of 43,700 jobs from September 2022 to September 2023, and the unemployment rate increased by three-tenths of a percentage point, from 2.6 percent in September 2022 to 2.9 percent in September 2023.    

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 19, 2023

 

WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY EVENING WRECK

28 year old Rani Bloomster of Bunceton was injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 5:30pm Tuesday in Moniteau County.  The patrol says that she was on Route O when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and then skidded off the left side, struck an embankment and went through a fence.  She was taken to Harry S. Truman Memorial Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

TWO KILLED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON INCIDENT

A man and woman were killed while riding their motorcycle in a Tuesday afternoon incident in Saline County.  MSHP stated that it happened at 4:35pm as a tractor driven by 28 year old Anthony Bryson of Waverly was on US 65 attempting to make a left turn onto Arbor Road when a motorcycle operated by 29 year old Dylan Giffin of Malta Bend attempted to pass the tractor and struck the towed unit, causing the motorcycle to cross over the northbound lanes and struck a car driven by 47 year old Barbara Jarvis of Carrollton head-on.  Both Giffen and his passenger 41 year old Jamie Kelly of Waverly were pronounced dead at the scene.   

 

DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

A driver was seriously injured in a Tuesday afternoon crash in Clark County.  State troopers stated that 21 year old Hunter Byrn of Downing was on US 136 and stopped for road construction when his vehicle was struck in the rear by a car driven by 36 year old Tressa Boyd of Kahoka.  Boyd was taken to Scotland County Memorial Hospital in Memphis with serious injuries.  The crash happened at 12:35pm Tuesday.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Huntsville man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 2:20pm Tuesday in Randolph County.  The highway patrol said that 34 year old Leland Coonce was on Highway JJ when his car ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree.  He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

MISSOURI “SHAKEOUT” EARTHQUAKE DRILL SET FOR THURSDAY

Recent disasters in Morocco and Turkey serve as reminders of the destructive power of earthquakes. It’s also an important reminder that one of the country’s most active earthquake zones is located right here in Missouri. In 1811-12, the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ), centered in southeast Missouri, produced some of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. Similar earthquakes today would lead to major damage and destruction.

To prepare for any future earthquakes, the 2023 Great Central U.S. Shakeout earthquake drill will be held on Thursday.  Missouri is one of 14 participating states that could be impacted by a NMSZ earthquake.

At 10:19am on Thursday, hundreds of thousands of Missourians will practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique:

  • DROP to your hands and knees;
  • COVER your head and neck with your hands and arms under a table or desk if you can; and
  • HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

Studies show that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common source of injury in an earthquake. Experts advise that when an earthquake occurs in the U.S., the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique is the best protection from falling debris. 

The NMSZ is one of the most active earthquake zones in the country, averaging more than 200 small quakes per year. Another major earthquake in this zone would be felt not only in Missouri but throughout the Midwest, damaging much of the southern and eastern parts of the state, including the St. Louis metropolitan area. To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, please visit sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 18, 2023

 

WOMAN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK

34 year old Cassondra Casby of St. Clair was injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 11:40pm Monday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that she was eastbound on I-44 when her car struck a deer and then it traveled off the right side of the roadway, down an embankment and struck several trees.  She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

WOMAN HURT IN MONDAY EVENING INCIDENT

A woman was hurt in a Monday evening incident in Franklin County.  MSHP stated that 65 year old Mona Scoggin of Catawissa, MO was a passenger in a vehicle driven by 72 year old Gary Scoggin of Catawissa.  They were on Meramec Street when a deer ran across the road and he avoided the deer by steering to the left, went off the left side of the road and then steered to the right to avoid horses and struck a tree before coming to rest facing south.  She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.  The incident happened at 5:25pm Monday.

 

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN HOWARD COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two young ladies from Fayette were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 1:15pm Monday in Howard County.  The highway patrol said that 20 year old Hope Chappel and her passenger 19 year old Charlea Winscott were on MO 124 when their motorcycle crossed the center of the road and struck a vehicle driven by 79 year old Wanda Lynch of Fayette.  After impact both ladies were ejected from the motorcycle.  They were taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

STATEWIDE WINTER WEATHER DRILL SET FOR THURSDAY

Winter is just around the corner, and in preparation, the Missouri Department of Transportation will hold its annual winter operations drill on Thursday. Motorists may notice an increased number of MoDOT vehicles on state routes during the drill, which will begin at 8am in rural areas and 9am in urban areas. The exercise should be completed by 3pm.  With turnover rates and many positions still open, driver training on this day is more critical than ever.

MoDOT has more than 3,000 employees across the state involved in work to clear roads and bridges when winter weather hits. During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will activate, and all employees involved in winter operations will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested.

In addition, every piece of equipment—every truck, motor grader, snow blower and tractor—is inspected and calibrated to conserve materials and operate efficiently and safely.  MoDOT spent $33 million on winter operations last year and used 63,000 tons of salt; 957,000 gallons of salt brine; and 147,000 gallons of beet juice.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 17, 2023

 

TEEN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY CRASH

A St. Clair teen was hurt in a Sunday night crash in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it occurred after 11pm as the 17 year old boy was on North Commercial Avenue when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his motorcycle to travel off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting him from it.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

 

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SUNDAY EVENING WRECK

A Wentzville teen was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday evening in Warren County.  MSHP stated that the 18 year old boy was on Route B when he swerved to the right to avoid a deer in the road and his vehicle ran off the right side of the road, returned to the road and went off the left side and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.  The wreck happened at 5:30pm Sunday.

 

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE MISHAP

30 year old Cassandra Hardy of Revere was seriously injured in a motorcycle mishap Sunday night in Clark County.  State troopers report that it happened at 6:30pm as she was on Route H when she failed to negotiate a curve and her motorcycle went off the road and overturned.  She was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL with serious injuries.

 

SEVERAL PEOPLE HURT IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Several people were hurt in an accident that occurred at 9:35am Sunday in Linn County.  The patrol says that a van driven by 59 year old Terry Gilmore of Brookfield was on US 36 when he slowed to make a right turn and was struck in the rear by a van driven by 33 year old Jessica Padgett of Bethany.  Both drivers along with their passengers’ were taken to area hospitals for treatment of minor injuries.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 16, 2023

 

RURAL ROUTE RESURFACING WORK SCHEDULED ON ROUTE Y IN PIKE COUNTY

Weather permitting, a resurfacing project located on Route Y in Pike County, from Business Route 61 in Bowling Green to the end of state maintenance, is expected to begin on Tuesday October 17 and is anticipated to be complete by Friday December 1.

The $4.7M contract, awarded last month to Magruder Paving, LLC of Troy, Missouri, includes several additional resurfacing projects which are scheduled to begin in spring of 2024,with all projects completed by November 1, 2024:

  • Audrain/Montgomery County, Route AA – From Route BB to Missouri Route 19 in Wellsville.
  • Audrain/Montgomery County, Route BB – From U.S. Route 54 to Missouri Route 161. 
  • Montgomery County, Route A – From Missouri Route 19 to Missouri Route 161.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane with a 9-foot width restriction at the location where crews are actively working. Flaggers and a pilot car will be utilized for traffic control to guide traffic through the work zone. Workers will be present during daylight hours. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Wednesday, October 11 at approximately 2:53PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to Jubel Drive in reference to a disturbance involving a man chasing others with a gun.  Investigation led to the arrest of 26 year old Trey Keith, of Mexico.  Keith was processed at MPSD and later taken to the Audrain County Jail for Assault 4th degree, Unlawful Use of Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.  There were no injuries from the incident.

 

On Monday, October 9 at approximately 3:01AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to a fire in the 200 block of E Jackson in reference to a fire in an apartment building.  Callers were reporting there being fire in multiple apartments and were unsure of the status of other residents.  Responding personnel found heavy flame coming from a second-floor apartment.  Attack crews attempted to contain the fire while getting people from that building and a smaller apartment attached to the building.

Five adults and an infant successfully evacuated.  53 year old Shelia D Ball, of Mexico, died in the fire as did several pets.  The fire was extinguished by about 8:30AM but crews remained on scene conducting overhaul and investigating what occurred.  The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to assist in the investigation.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 13, 2023

 

ACTING GOVERNOR KEHOE ORDERS CAPITOL DOME LIGHTED BLUE AND WHITE IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL

On behalf of Governor Mike Parson and serving in his capacity as Acting Governor, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome lighted blue and white in honor of Israeli and American lives lost in Israel and as an expression of solidarity with the nation of Israel as they fight back against Hamas terrorists.

In a joint statement, Governor Parson and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe further denounced the terrorist attacks against the nation of Israel and expressed support for the Israeli people: 

"The barbarism committed by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists has now claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people and 22 Americans, including one Missourian, in Israel. We mourn these innocent lives lost and pray for all those who have fallen victim to this merciless terror. This brutal, indiscriminate killing of civilian men and women, children, babies, and the elderly by Hamas terrorists cannot be ignored. Missouri, the United States, and the world must stand against these wicked atrocities. Together, we declare that the State of Missouri stands strong in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people. Today, tomorrow, or however long it takes to root out this evil, Missouri supports our ally, Israel, in this fight and its right to defend itself."

The Capitol dome will shine blue and white starting on the weekly Jewish Sabbath at sunset on Friday, October 13, through sunrise on Sunday, October 15.

 

MSHP SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR 121ST RECRUIT CLASS

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, a premier law enforcement agency, is testing for new troopers. The Patrol is encouraging qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply, and will offer testing at nine different locations in Missouri. Those who successfully complete testing will be eligible to continue in the selection process for the 121st Recruit Class, scheduled to begin training on July 1, 2024.
To be eligible, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be 21 years of age upon graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy. Upon graduating from the Patrol’s Academy, troopers are eligible to earn 46 credit hours through Mineral Area College in Park Hills, MO, or 30 credit hours through the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO, toward a degree, or 57 credit hours through Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, toward a degree. During the Academy, recruits may also be eligible to receive an associate of applied science degree at Mineral Area College by completing an additional 16 general education credit hours through online courses with Western Governors University.
Interested persons can find out more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at 1-800-796-7000, or may apply online at www.motrooper.com.

 

MDC TO HOST 37TH ANNUAL POOSEY CONSERVATION AREA FALL TOUR ON SUNDAY

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will welcome visitors to the 37th annual fall driving tour at the Poosey Conservation Area from noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. The driving tour gives visitors a chance to enjoy fall color while touring on gravel service roads that are not normally open to public vehicle traffic.  Visitors can drive uphill and down on winding lanes through forest and woodlands. MDC will provide a tour brochure at the entrance that point out nature interpretive stops along the route.

The tour route has some steep grades in places and a few creek crossings. A vehicle (or other mode of transport) with high clearance is recommended. Each year the tour draws families and community groups riding on trailers or on wagons drawn by pickups or horses. Couples in horse-drawn buggies are common, as are riders of all ages on horseback. Cars, pickup trucks, and the occasional bicyclist also traverse the tour.

Visitors can count on a slow driving pace, all the better to enjoy the fall foliage. The interpretive stops along the route showcase conservation practices such as timber stand improvement and native warm season grassland. At a midway point, visitors will find exhibits on nature, conservation, and the Poosey area history. They can visit with MDC staff about conservation issues. A popular stopping point is where a short trail leads to a limestone outcrop called the Panther’s Den.

For tour information, contact MDC Forester Samantha Anderson, 660-646-6122. Maps and information about Poosey Conservation Area are at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZFd.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 12, 2023

 

DRIVER HURT IN LINCOLN COUNTY WRECK

58 year old Curtis Gabris of Troy was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Lincoln County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5:30pm as he was on Highway 47 when his truck traveled off the right side of the road and struck a utility pole.  He was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

A man was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that occurred at 10am Tuesday in Macon County.  The patrol says that 57 year old Michael James of St. Charles was on Lace Avenue 3 miles east of Excello when his motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway, causing it to overturn and eject him from it.  He was transported by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

NEW FLORENCE DISTILLERY TOPS WHISKEY COMPETITION

Wood Hat Spirits of New Florence took top honors with their Queens Reserve at the Heartland Whiskey Competition held in St. Louis, Mo., earlier this summer. The distillery's 'cornfield to glass' creation was named Missouri's top craft whiskey in a blind judging competition, sponsored in part by the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), which drew entries from 20 states.  

 

The day-long competition, supervised by the American Craft Spirits Association, required judges to evaluate each spirit within its appropriate category (bourbon, corn whiskey, etc.). Top state medals were awarded to those achieving the highest scores in their respective states, regardless of category. 

 

The competition was limited to spirits that use corn as an ingredient in the distillation process. Through entering, competing, and medaling, craft distilleries earn awards that allow them to better market their products. The 2023 competition also introduced a new category: Top Farmer-Distiller. This award is given to the highest-scoring product among all entries produced by a distillery whose owner actively farms. More than 30 percent of all 2023 entries were from farmer-distillers. 

 

On average, it takes approximately three pounds of corn to make one bottle of spirits. At 56 pounds in a bushel, local distilleries can produce roughly 18 bottles of spirits for each bushel of corn. A complete list of winners and sponsoring corn states can be found on the ACSA website

 

NRCS MISSOURI OFFERS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS THROUGH SEVEN REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Missouri invites qualifying farmers and landowners to apply to receive technical and financial assistance through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Funding is available for seven regional partnership projects. Applications must be received by Nov. 17, 2023, to be considered for this round of funding.

The RCPP projects and associated counties are:

* Program Restoring & Improving Monarch Ecosystems (PRIME) (Andrew, Atchison, Benton, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Ray, Saline and Worth counties):
This project aims to increase monarch and pollinator habitat in Northwest Missouri through land management practices, with an emphasis on prescribed burning and short-term land rental payments. PRIME will target lands currently enrolled in and expiring from Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), enhancing monarch habitat by maintaining and restoring diverse native plant communities. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are the lead partners on this project.

* Precision Farm Data & Strategic Buffer Project (Chariton, Lafayette, Linn, Macon, Pettis, Randolph and Saline counties):
This project focuses on utilizing on-farm yield data to identify non-profitable or marginal cropland acres to strategically establish field borders, pollinator habitat, wetlands and more to maximize profitability while improving water quality and wildlife habitat. The Missouri Department of Conservation is the lead partner on this project.

* Missouri Targeted Conservation (portions of Audrain, Bates, Boone, Bollinger, Caldwell, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Chariton, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Dunklin, Gasconade, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Howard, Jefferson, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Macon, Mercer, Miller, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Osage, Pemiscot, Pettis, Randolph, Ray, Saline, Scott, Shelby, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Vernon and Worth counties):
This project aims to identify areas within a watershed where identified conservation practices can achieve the most economically efficient loss reductions for sediment, nutrients and pathogens into waterways. The Blackwater, Cahokia-Joachim, South Fork Salt, Little Osage, Thompson, Upper Grand, Little River Ditches and Lower Missouri-Moreau watersheds have been identified as the Missouri focus areas. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is the lead partner on this project.

* East Locust Creek Source Water Protection Project (Sullivan & Putnam counties):
This project aims to prevent nonpoint source runoff from entering the East Locust Creek Reservoir (ELCR). The North Central Missouri Regional Water Commission is the lead partner on this project.

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 11, 2023

 

MAN KILLED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Mokane man was killed in an accident that occurred at 8pm Monday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 77 year old Joseph Richner was on County Road 470 when he got to close to the edge of a lake and his vehicle overturned.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

MODOT HOSTING HIRING EVENT IN TROY

The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking individuals who are interested in a career to “come for the snow, stay for the mow” and keep Missouri moving during the winter season and beyond.

MoDOT is hosting a hiring event from 10am to 7pm on Wednesday at 121 Francis Drive (Troy Project Office) in Troy, with the opportunity for year-round employment including mowing, striping and other maintenance functions. The event will focus on hiring multiple full-time maintenance workers for Warrenton, Troy and Elsberry, with limited openings in other locations across northeast Missouri.

This event will provide applicants an opportunity for an accelerated hiring process, including on-site interviews, conditional job offers; followed by drug testing and initiating the criminal background checks.  Work Simulation exams and physicals will be scheduled at a later date.  For details and to learn more about these career opportunities, visit modot.org/opportunities-maintenance.

 

HUNTERS TAKE 16,575 DEER DURING NEW FIREARMS EARLY ANTLERNESS PORTION

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters harvested 16,575 deer during the state’s new firearms early antlerless portion of deer season, Oct. 6-8. The top-three harvest counties were Franklin with 489 deer harvested, Howell with 454, and Ripley with 437.

Deer hunting in Missouri continues with archery hunting through Nov. 10 and again Nov. 22 through Jan. 15, 2024. Upcoming firearms portions are:

Firearms Early Youth Portion: Oct. 28-29

Firearms November Portion: Nov. 11-21

New! Firearms CWD Portion: Nov. 22-26 (in open counties)

Firearms Late Youth Portion: Nov. 24-26

Firearms Late Antlerless Portion: Dec. 2-10 (in open counties)

Firearms Alternative Methods Portion: Dec. 23 - Jan. 2, 2024

Get more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2023 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.

 

MODOT ANNOUNCES PREQUALIFIED TEAMS FOR FIRST IMPROVE I-70 PROJECT

The Missouri Department of Transportation has received Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from teams interested in competing for the contract to design and construct the first project of MoDOT’s statewide Improve I-70 Program. Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City will improve the 20-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between U.S. 63 and U.S. 54 and is one of several projects which will widen the I-70 corridor across the state.

 

Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly signed into law by Governor Parson provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue for the costs to build a third lane of Interstate 70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add three lanes in each direction on approximately 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.

 

The pre-qualified teams are as follows:

I-70 Constructors: Emery Sapp & Sons and Capital Paving and Construction – Joint Venture.

Parsons.

Millstone Weber.

Lunda and Jacobs.

There are still opportunities for additional consultants and subcontracting firms to be added to each team.

 

Design-Build is a project delivery method that combines both the design and construction phases into one contract. The selected contract team completes the design and construction in parallel instead of in succession, which saves time and resources. MoDOT has established the following design-build goals for the Columbia to Kingdom City project:

Deliver the project by December 31, 2027, within the program budget of $405 million.

Provide a third lane of travel for eastbound and westbound Interstate 70 from Columbia to Kingdom City.

Improve I-70/US 63 and I-70/US 54 Interchanges providing for better traffic flow and movement of freight.

Improve the interstate while modernizing the existing pavement and bridges.

Minimize construction impacts through communication and construction staging while maintaining safety and mobility.

Provide expanded employment opportunities to a diverse workforce.

 

MoDOT will issue the Request for Proposal in October 2023. The department will continue to work through the procurement process through the end of the year. The teams will submit their proposal for the potential selection of the winning proposal in approximately February 2024, and construction could start as early as summer 2024.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 10, 2023

 

WOMAN INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT

A Florissant woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 11:50pm Sunday in Ralls County.  The patrol says that 28 year old Quintesha Bush was on Highway 154 when her tractor trailer ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned.  She was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK

23 year old Douglas Evert of Union was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 3:50pm as he was on MO 100 when his jeep traveled off the left side of the road and struck a utility pole.  He was transported by helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

MACON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE LOOKING FOR FUGITIVE WHO IS CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to find a fugitive who is considered armed and dangerous.  According to KTVO the sheriff’s office is looking for 42 year old Nathaniel Fisher of Macon.  They said he is wanted for a probation violation on original charges of driving while revoked/suspended and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner along with several other violations involving owning and operating a motor vehicle.  Anyone with information on Fisher’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Macon County Sheriff’s Office at 660-385-2062, message the agency on Facebook or Instagram or contact your local law enforcement agency.  Once again, Fisher is considered armed and dangerous.

 

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK IS THIS WEEK

Across the U.S., interest in cooking and testing out new recipes in the kitchen have risen dramatically in recent years. The fire service says it’s time to see a similar increase in interest in preventing kitchen fires, and that’s why the theme for Fire Prevention Week this year is “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.” National Fire Prevention Week is from Oct. 8-14, 2023.

 

Here are some tips in preventing kitchen fires:

Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.

Keep your cooking area clean. Do not let grease build up on the range top, toaster oven or in the oven.

Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.

Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. This helps prevent spills that can start fires.

Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.

 

According to U.S. Fire Administration estimates, in 2021 in the U.S. there were 353,500 residential fires, 2,840 death and 11,400 injuries in residential fires. Losses were estimated at almost $8.6 billion.    

 

As a reminder, the end of Daylight Saving Time at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, when clocks are adjusted to “fall back” an hour, can serve as an easy reminder to change smoke and CO alarm batteries once a year. Remember, when you change the time, change the batteries. Always have properly installed and maintained smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

More tips on a variety of fire safety topics are available on the Division of Fire Safety website at: https://dfs.dps.mo.gov/safetytips/.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 6, 2023

 

COOLER NIGHTS BRING INCREASED WILD ANIMAL MOVEMENT

Fall has arrived, and that means more wild animals, especially deer, are on the move as cooler temperatures begin to settle in and nights become longer. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds motorists to be prepared for the sudden appearance of wild animals on Missouri roadways throughout the fall months.

Missouri has continued to climb the ranks for deer collisions. According to State Farm Insurance, the Show-Me State now ranks 10th in the country for potential animal collisions – up from 14th last year – with a 1 in 80 chance of hitting an animal while driving. MoDOT maintains nearly 34,000 miles of highways, putting Missouri 7th nationally in state highway miles.

In 2022, Missouri drivers experienced 3,699 crashes involving a deer. One deer strike occurred approximately every 2 hours and 20 minutes in the state. In these crashes, there were 5 fatalities and 424 people were injured.

Drivers should never swerve to avoid animals in the road, as it can cause loss of control of their vehicles, resulting in serious injury or death. To avoid hitting a deer, always be cautious and regularly scan both sides of the roadway.

 

CHANGE IN COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE TESTING PROCEDURE

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Department of Revenue wish to inform potential future Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicants of an upcoming change in CDL testing procedure. The new modernized testing standard being adopted by Missouri will begin on December 4, 2023 and will be utilized by all CDL examiners in the state, including at all Patrol examination sites and all third-party examination sites. The changes in testing procedure include a more streamlined pre-trip examination and more efficient basic skills course.   

Those wishing to train for taking their CDL skills tests on December 4 or later should utilize the following CDL manual for applicable procedures. New Manual

Current testing procedures will remain in effect statewide until December 1. The current CDL manual can be found here.  Current Manual

It is important to note, per federal guidelines, applicants must pass the pre-trip and basic skills using the same testing model, meaning if an applicant passes the old model pre-trip, they must pass the old model basic skills test to be eligible for the road test.  They encourage training schools and applicants to consider this when making plans for testing. For more information, please visit:  https://dor.mo.gov/

 

OFFICE OF BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT NEWS

The Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development has announced support for Missouri ACP Act Now, an initiative led by national nonprofit EducationSuperHighway (ESH). Missouri ACP Act Now aims to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a long-term federal benefit that helps eligible households pay for high-speed internet.

“As we continue to expand broadband access in our state, the Affordable Connectivity Program is another resource available for Missouri households,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Alongside our historic investments made in broadband infrastructure, this program is helping achieve a more connected future. We appreciate the efforts of partner organizations like EducationSuperHighway in ensuring every Missourian has access to quality, high-speed internet.”

The ACP is a $14.2 billion federal broadband benefit funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that provides eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30 per month or up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. The program can also provide a one-time $100 discount toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. More than 1 million Missourians are eligible for the ACP, while just 33 percent of those eligible have enrolled.

The Missouri ACP Act Now initiative unites a broad coalition of partner cities and counties, community-based organizations, and trusted institutions in partnership with ESH as it works to close the broadband affordability gap.

The coalition of partners will have access to resources to help them overcome the complex awareness, trust, and enrollment barriers that prevent households in the most under-resourced communities from enrolling. Resources include email marketing templates, social media campaigns, and a pre-enrollment tool, which is available at GetACP.org/Missouri. Community leaders can use these resources to promote the ACP and help eligible families enroll. 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 5, 2023

 

TWO INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY WRECK

A woman and a man from Fulton were injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 12am Wednesday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 22 year old Mikela Quagliotti was westbound on I-70 when her car struck a deer in the roadway and then came to an uncontrolled stop in the median.  She along with her passenger 25 year old Troy Wyman-Harding were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT

55 year old Kevin Todd of Kahoka was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident Tuesday night in Clark County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 7:15pm as he was on US 136 when his motorcycle ran off the right side of the road and overturned.  He was air-lifted to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN TRACTOR TRAILER MISHAP

A driver was hurt in a tractor trailer mishap Tuesday evening in Lewis County.  State troopers stated that 29 year old William Swartz of Labelle was on Route K when it traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Blessing Hospital for treatment.  The mishap occurred after 6:30pm Tuesday.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 4, 2023

 

GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF SECOND ROUND OF NEW SCHOOL SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM

On Monday, Governor Mike Parson announced a total of 566 school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools have received grant funds from the second round of funding for the School Safety Grant Program.

He approved an additional $50 million to expand the School Safety Reimbursement Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The grant program aims to support school safety improvements, including physical security upgrades and associated technology (e.g., door locks, monitoring systems), epinephrine auto-injectors, and automatic external defibrillators. This second round of funding was also available to nonpublic schools. An additional 169 school districts and charter schools received $20 million in funding during the first round of grants from the Fiscal Year 2023 budget.

Schools applied to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) through a competitive grant application process. The maximum grant amount awarded was $300,000. See grant award totals here on DESE’s website.

 

PSC SETS INTERVENTION DEADLINE IN EVERGY MISSOURI WEST CASE

Evergy Missouri West, Inc. d/b/a Evergy Missouri West has filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking to adjust its renewable energy standard rate adjustment mechanism (RESRAM) charge that appears on the monthly electric bills of Evergy Missouri West customers.  The charge appears as a separate item on the monthly electric bill.  The RESRAM charge is designed to recover costs associated with Missouri’s Renewable Energy Standard.  According to Evergy Missouri West, a residential customer using 1,000 kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity a month will see the RESRAM charge increase by approximately $0.04 a month.

Applications to intervene and participate in this case must be filed no later than October 13 with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, or by using the Commission’s Electronic Filing and Information System (EFIS) at www.psc.mo.gov.

Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel (Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Suite 650, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230, telephone 1-866-922-2959, email opcservice@opc.mo.gov) or the Public Service Commission Staff (P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone 1-800-392-4211, email

pscinfo@psc.mo.gov). The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency that represents the general public in matters before the Commission.

Evergy Missouri West provides electric service to approximately 336,640 customers in Andrew, Atchison, Barton, Bates, Benton, Buchanan, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Clay, Clinton, Dade, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Ray, St. Clair, Vernon and Worth counties.

 

MODOT HOSTING HIRING EVENT IN WARRENTON

The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking individuals who are interested in a career to “come for the snow, stay for the mow” and keep Missouri moving during the winter season and beyond.

MoDOT is hosting a hiring event from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 800 Boonslick in Warrenton, with the opportunity for year-round employment including mowing, striping and other maintenance functions. The event will focus on hiring multiple full-time maintenance workers for Warrenton, Troy and Elsberry, with limited openings in other locations across northeast Missouri.

This event will provide applicants an opportunity for an accelerated hiring process, including on-site interviews, conditional job offers; followed by drug testing and initiating the criminal background checks.  Work Simulation exams and physicals will be scheduled at a later date.  For details and to learn more about these career opportunities, visit modot.org/opportunities-maintenance.

Full-time maintenance employees receive training and a long list of benefits including paid leave, medical, vision and dental insurance, a retirement plan, and a culturally diverse workplace that is dedicated to safety and personal development. Applicants need to be at least 18 years old and successfully complete a criminal background check (a misdemeanor or felony conviction is not an automatic restriction to employment). It’s preferable for applicants to have a CDL permit, but assistance and training is available to help new employees achieve their CDL.

The starting salary for maintenance workers is $19.08 per hour. This position is also eligible for an additional $3 to $6 per hour when working winter/emergency operations activities.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 3, 2023

 

THREE INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT

Three people were injured in an accident that occurred at 1:55pm Sunday in Montgomery County.  The patrol says that 35 year old Joseph Blizzard of O’Fallon was on MO 19 when he failed to yield to a car driven by 22 year old Chet Moeckli of Hermann and his truck struck the car in the driver side front.  Both drivers and a passenger in the truck a 14 year old girl from O’Fallon sustained minor injuries and were taken to area hospitals for treatment.

 

MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON INCIDENT

A motorcyclist was killed in a Sunday afternoon incident in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 3:15pm as 33 year old Ronald Williams of Washington was stopped at the intersection of Route E when his motorcycle was struck in the rear by a car driven by 65 year old Kevin Amrein of New Haven.  Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

PIVOT BIO TO EXPAND IN HAZELWOOD, INVESTING MORE THAN $20 MILLION AND CREATING 41 NEW JOBS

Pivot Bio, a cutting-edge leader in ag-tech, recently announced that it will expand in Hazelwood, investing more than $20 million and creating 41 new jobs. The sustainable agriculture company’s expansion includes the establishment of an approximately 47,000-square-foot facility that will increase its capabilities for research, testing, and development of product applications.

Pivot Bio is driven by a commitment to make farming more productive and sustainable. Faced with rising pressure on natural resources and a growing population to feed, growers want nitrogen that is reliable, predictable, and better for the environment. Pivot Bio’s technology meets the demands for nitrogen consistency and dependability by enabling microbes to adhere and remain on the roots of the plant throughout the growing season, delivering nitrogen to the crop with nearly 100 percent efficiency.

Today, Pivot Bio has made microbial production of nitrogen, a discovery long sought after by scientists, commercially available for the first time. To support its continued growth, the company’s new Hazelwood location will focus on the development, production, and manufacturing of its latest product and agriculture’s first-ever on-seed nitrogen technology. Pivot Bio’s proprietary tech platform is primarily focused on cereal crops.

 

GOVERNOR PARSON TO EMBARK ON TRADE MISSION TO JAPAN TO PROMOTE MISSOURI AS IDEAL BUSINESS LOCATION

From October 7 - 12, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will travel to Japan for an international Trade Mission. Japan is a top source of foreign direct investment and key trade partner for Missouri, with more than $455 million in exports in 2022.

Consistent with Governor Parson’s infrastructure and economic development priorities, the goal of the Trade Mission is to build relationships with key international figures to promote Missouri’s strong capacity for trade.

The Trade Mission will include stops in Tokyo and Nagano Prefecture, the sister state to Missouri, where the delegation will visit Nagano Prefecture University, which works with the University of Missouri. The delegation will also meet with Shuichi Abe, Governor of Nagano Prefecture, and the mayor of Suwa, St. Louis’ sister city. Governor Parson will meet with various government officials, diplomats, and business leaders to promote Missouri as a prime destination for business investment and expansion.

Meetings are scheduled with company representatives that have existing relationships in Missouri to thank them for their investments in the state and companies without a presence in Missouri to encourage them to consider Missouri for future investments.

The $455 million in goods exported to Japan in 2022 show the importance of international trade to the state’s economic success. Among the goods exported, processed foods, chemicals, and electronic products were among those in highest demand.

Japan Highlights

Governor Parson will take part in meetings with executives of several leading companies, including Hitachi, Kawasaki, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nidec, Panasonic, Toyoda Gosei (TG Missouri), and ZEN-NOH.

Governor Parson will also participate in discussions with key Japanese business organizations, including the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), meet with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, and take part in an agri-business dinner.

The Trade Mission is funded by the Hawthorn Foundation, a Missouri nonprofit organization. For updates on the trip, follow @GovMikeParson on Facebook and @GovParsonMO on Twitter.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

October 2, 2023

 

MEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Six men were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 7:55pm Saturday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that a van was improperly stopped in the roadway on I-44 when it was struck in the rear by a caravan driven by 22 year old Kierra White of Imperial.  All six men ranging from 19 to 45 years of age were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries. 

 

FOUR HURT IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

Four people were hurt in a Saturday afternoon crash in Warren County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 1:50pm as 49 year old Michael Hilke of Washington was on Route TT when his car crossed the centerline and struck a car driven by Kathryn Vogel of Union which in turn caused it to travel into the oncoming lane and hit a truck driven by 57 year old Mark Crocker of Winfield.  Hilke along with three passengers in Crocker’s truck 58 year old Julia Crocker and a one year old and two year old boy sustained minor injuries.  All four were taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment. 

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Adair County

Missouri Route 3 – October 10- 13, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Archer Trail to Igloo Trail between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Audrain County

Route FF – October 2, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 947 to CR 945 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – October 3, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 935 to CR 931 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – October 5, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 917 to Elmwood Drive between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

U.S. Route 54 (Eastbound) October 10, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route BB and U.S. Route 54 roundabout to CR 408 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 54 (Westbound) – October 11-12, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route BB and U.S. Route 54 roundabout to CR 408 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Clark County

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – October 4-5, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Sugar Creek to CR 315 between 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4 and 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5.

U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) – October 5-6, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route F to Honey Creek between 7:00 a.m. on Thursday October 5 and 7:00 a.m. on Friday October 6.

Lewis County

U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) – October 4, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from beginning to end of Oyster Branch bridge between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) – October 5, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance just before and after bridge at 1.3 miles North of Route C between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) – October 6, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance just before and after bridge at 2.7 miles South of Route P between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Lincoln County

Route A (Eastbound) – October 11, CLOSED for culvert replacement from Route A at Hawk Point VFW to Beck Road between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  

Route A (Eastbound) – October 12-13, CLOSED for culvert replacement from Route A at Hawk Point VFW to Beck Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.   

Monroe County

Missouri Route 151 – October 2-4, LANE RESTRICTION for shoulder work operations from beginning to end of CR 980 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Montgomery County

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – October 2, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations between Mile Markers 180.6 and 181.6 between 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Ralls County

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – October 3, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route HH to Route M between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Shelby County

Route TT – October 2-3, CLOSED, for culvert replacement from U.S. Route 36 to Route DD between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route DD – October 4, CLOSED, for culvert replacement from Missouri Route 151 to Route TT between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route DD – October 5, CLOSED, for culvert replacement from Route TT to Route A between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route A – October 10-11, CLOSED, for culvert replacement from Route DD to Route J between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Warren County

Route A/Route B – October 1-4, continuous LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from just before to just after the bridge over I-70 between 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1 and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – October 2-3, LANE RESTRICTIONS for bridge maintenance from mile marker 187.8 to mile marker 188.2 between 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2 and 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Interstate 70 (Westbound) – October 3-4, LANE RESTRICTIONS for bridge maintenance from mile marker 188.2 to mile marker 187.8 between 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3 and 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Route U – October 4, CLOSED for patching operations from Lake Ridge Lane to Rodgers Drive between 8:00a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 29, 2023

 

TEEN HURT IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

A Gravois Mills teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Morgan County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:05pm as the 16 year old girl was on Missouri 135 when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, she overcorrected, returned to the road, skidded across the center of the road where she overcorrected and skidded again and then struck a fence post overturned, hit a cable sign and a tree before coming to rest on its side.  She refused treatment for minor injuries.

 

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CARROLL COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Hale woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 11pm Tuesday in Carroll County.  The patrol says that 66 year old Margaret Ellis was on Route J when she fell asleep at the wheel, causing her car to run off the road and then struck a culvert and came to rest in a creek.  She was air-lifted by helicopter to North Kansas City Hospital with serious injuries.

 

NECAC TO TAKE APPLICATIONS FOR UTILITY ASSISTANCE

A local agency has a remedy for rising utility costs.  Starting Sunday October 1st, the North East Community Action Corporation will take applications for energy assistance from the elderly and disabled in 12 Missouri counties.  The program starts November 1st for families and individuals.

NECAC assisted about 9,600 households with utility assistance last year, and expects the number to increase this winter due to inflation and escalating costs.  Two types of programs are available, with maximum benefits of 153 dollars to 800 dollars depending upon the type of heating source.

To receive help, you must qualify by income.  The monthly income limit for a one-person household is $2,535.  For a four-person residence, it’s $4,875. Additional amounts are available upon request.

To find out more, call your NECAC Service Center, go online to www.necac.org, or call 573-324-0120.

 

MDC CONFIRMS 117TH CONFIRMED MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTING IN MISSOURI

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) confirms that an adult elk was killed by a mountain lion in Shannon County on Sept. 12.

Reports of a mountain lion sighting were sent to MDC staff early on Sept. 12, and members of MDC’s Large Carnivore Response Team responded to the area later that same day to confirm the sighting. Trail camera images were used to confirm that a mountain lion was in the area and had returned to the elk carcass to feed.  

Mountain lions are known to travel through Missouri, but there is no known breeding population in the state. MDC staff did collect genetic samples from the site which are in the process of being analyzed to provide further information about the animal such as the sex of the animal. Most confirmed sightings of mountain lions in Missouri are males.  

MDC continues to monitor confirmed mountain lion sightings in the state, and this sighting marks the 117th confirmed sighting since 1994. Suspected mountain lion sightings can be reported to MDC by emailing photos, video, or physical evidence to mountain.lion@mdc.mo.gov. More information about mountain lions in Missouri can be found at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4eV.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 28, 2023

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Sunday, September 24 at approximately 11:05pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 900 block of Emmons in reference to a report of a gunshot and then a vehicle leaving the area.  Investigation indicated that a 39-year-old Mexico man was in the area with some associates when a gun he was holding accidentally discharged and shot him in the foot.  The man left the scene and has avoided contact with MPSD.  There is no indication that anyone was threatened or that there were any other injuries.  Mexico Public Safety is continuing to investigate what occurred.

 

HIGHWAY 36 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The Missouri Highway 36 Heritage Alliance Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday in Chillicothe.  The meeting begins at 9:30am at the Comfort Inn in Chillicothe.  They will have for attendees arriving early coffee and conversation.  The meeting will conclude before noon.

 

Some things to know before the meeting:

No pre-registration is necessary

There is no cost to attend

Bring brochures to share with your neighbors

A limited number of new Highway 36 guides will be available

Come prepared to tell them what's new in your community

 

Program highlights for the meeting include:

Organizational updates and plans

Hwy 36 Promotional Video Debut

How to work with Missouri Humanities Council

An update from the Missouri Division of Tourism

A how to for regional partnerships

Opportunities for ideas, questions and answers

All members are encouraged to attend.  Guests are also welcome.

 

MOBERLY LICENSE OFFICE CONTRACT UP FOR BID

The Missouri Department of Revenue is announcing the upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) of the license office in Moberly located at 521 W Coates St., Moberly, Mo., 65270. Bids will start being accepted October 11, and must be submitted by October 24.

For a list of bid opportunities and bid response instructions, please visit Missouri’s statewide electronic procurement system, MissouriBUYS, at https://missouribuys.mo.gov/. Interested groups or individuals who wish to bid to operate the Moberly License Office must have an active Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and must submit the proposal under the legal entity name for which the FEIN was assigned.

 

 

 

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 27, 2023

 

THREE WOMEN INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT

Three Hallsville women were injured in an accident that occurred at 4:40pm Monday in Boone County.  The patrol says that a car driven by 47 year old Angela Ketchum of Centralia stopped abruptly for another vehicle making a left turn on Route B when the chain-reaction accident started as an SUV driven by 31 year old Kelsay McCord of Madison was struck in the rear by another SUV driven by 36 year old Jamie Calvert of Hallsville which caused McCord’s SUV to strike the rear of Ketchum’s car and also another SUV driven southbound by 39 year old Amber Hendren of Hallsville struck Calvert’s SUV causing it to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.  Both Amber Hendren and her passenger 24 year old Javonna Pigman were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries while Jamie Calvert was taken to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MISSOURI TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION UNVEILS STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR FY 2024

The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) announced Tuesday that it has released its Strategic Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year 2024. This comprehensive plan outlines MTC's commitment to catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurship in the state of Missouri by introducing new programs and initiatives to empower high-tech companies to thrive. By leveraging state and federal funds, MTC aims to drive economic growth through the creation of a thriving ecosystem for Missouri technology companies.

Increased funding for MTC will allow for continued financial support through core programs, such as the Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (MOBEC) Grant Program and the Innovation, Development, and Entrepreneurship Advancement (IDEA) Fund Co-Investment Program. Additionally, programs piloted in Fiscal Year 2023, such as the Physical Infrastructure Grant Program, will be expanded to further fuel economic development throughout the fiscal year.

MTC, a public-private partnership established by the Missouri General Assembly, receives direct appropriations from the state budget and access to federally funded programs. This funding enables strategic investments in Missouri-based high-tech companies that support their growth and the overall economic prosperity of the state.

For more information about MTC and its Strategic Implementation Plan for Fiscal Year 2024, visit missouritechnology.com.

 

MDC ASKS TURKEY HUNTERS FOR INPUT ON POSSIBLE CHANGES TO HUNTING REGULATIONS

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking input from turkey hunters on possible changes to spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons, including all-day spring hunting and reduced harvest limits for fall seasons.

According to MDC, Missouri’s spring turkey hunting season, specifically the start date, was designed to take place after the peak in turkey breeding had occurred. Additionally, MDC research indicates that the current season structure, combined with the reproductive ecology of turkeys, has resulted in relatively low harvest rates on juvenile and adult gobblers over the years.

MDC encourages turkey hunters to go online to mdc.mo.gov/turkey-regs for more information on potential regulation changes and to provide comment. The comment period closes Oct. 6. The webpage also has information on the history and structure of Missouri turkey hunting and possible effects of regulation changes on turkey numbers and hunter opportunities.  

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 26, 2023

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

60 year old Paul Declue of Gray Summit, MO was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 11:20am Monday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that he was on Highway MM when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a tree.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING WRECK

Two people were injured, one seriously in a one-vehicle wreck early Monday morning in Ralls County.  The highway patrol said 31 year old James Fisher of Atlanta was on US 36 when his freightliner ran off the right side of the road and overturned.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment, while his passenger a 4 year old girl from Kirksville was air-lifted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.  The wreck happened just before 6am Monday.

 

GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES TWO JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

Last Friday, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District and the 16th Judicial Circuit.

The Honorable Michael S. Wright, of Warrenton, was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

Judge Wright currently serves as an associate circuit judge in Warren County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Washburn University. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Sherri B. Sullivan.

The Honorable Jessica Agnelly Krawczyk, of Lee’s Summit, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit.

Judge Agnelly Krawczyk serves as an associate circuit judge in Jackson County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Avila University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Marco A. Roldan.

 

NATURAL GAS RATES TO CHANGE FOR LIBERTY UTILITIES CUSTOMERS

Natural gas rates for Liberty Utilities (Midstates Natural Gas) Corp. d/b/a Liberty Utilities customers will change under a filing that will take effect on October 1, 2023.  The rate change reflects the Weather Normalization Adjustment Rider (WNAR) which authorizes rate adjustments based on weather variations. The purpose of the tariff is to adjust revenues for differences between actual heating degree days and normal heating degree days.  Under the Liberty Utilities filing, a residential customer using 100 Ccf’s (10,000 cubic feet) of natural gas in a given billing month will see an increase of approximately $3.05 a month in Liberty Utilities’ Northeast and West Districts.  Natural gas rates will increase by approximately $2.39 a month for a residential customer using approximately 100 Ccf’s of natural gas in a given billing month in Liberty Utilities’ Southeast District.  Liberty Utilities serves approximately 52,500 natural gas customers in Missouri.  The Northeast and West District service area includes the Missouri counties of Adair, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Macon, Marion, Pike, Ralls, Schuyler, Scotland, Bates, Cass, Henry and St. Clair.  The Southeast District service area includes the counties of Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Ripley, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 25, 2023

 

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES GOVERNOR PARSON’S REQUEST FOR MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION

Last Week, Governor Mike Parson announced that President Joe Biden has approved his request for a major disaster declaration to help local governments and nonprofit agencies in 33 counties in response to multiple severe weather systems that impacted Missouri from July 29 – August 14.

The declaration makes federal public assistance available for the repair of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure as well as reimbursement of associated emergency response and recovery costs. The Governor’s September 5 request included more than $14 million in qualifying expenses that had already been identified.

The following counties are included in the President’s disaster declaration: Adair, Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Bollinger, Camden, Christian, Clark, Crawford, Dade, Gentry, Greene, Grundy, Henry, Iron, Knox, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, Morgan, New Madrid, Ozark, Perry, Scotland, Scott, Shelby, St. Clair, Ste. Genevieve, Taney, Vernon, Wayne, and Worth.

The disaster declaration also makes assistance available statewide through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Program, which assists with cost-effective measures to reduce the potential for future damage to public infrastructure as a result of natural disasters.

Individuals with unmet needs should contact United Way 211. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or visit http://211helps.org. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Thursday, September 21 at approximately 10:38AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 600 block of W Boulevard in reference to someone driving an off-road vehicle on the area residential side streets.  By the time officers arrived in the area around 10:45AM, the vehicle had crashed.  Responding personnel learned that a 17-year-old female had been driving the off-road vehicle on the streets for recreational purposes.  She failed to maintain control of the vehicle and it rolled over.  Both the driver and a 17-year-old female passenger were thrown from the vehicle.  The passenger was taken for medical treatment by a family member.  Her injuries were treated and she was released.  The driver did not require medical treatment.

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Adair County

Route B – September 25 – 28, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route K to Missouri Route 6 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Audrain County

Route FF – September 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 957 to CR 951 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – September 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 957 to CR 951 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – September 27 - 28, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 951 to CR 947 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Clark County

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – October 4 - 5, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Sugar Creek to CR 315 between 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4 and 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5.

U.S. Route 61 (Northbound) – October 5 - 6, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route F to Honey Creek between 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5 and 7:00 a.m. on Friday, October 6.

Macon County

U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – September 25 - 26, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East to 1 mile West of Fireworks Avenue between 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25 and 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – September 26, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East to 1 mile West of Fireworks Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 63 (Northbound) – September 27 - 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Karma Street to Route Y between 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27 and 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 28. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 63 (Northbound) – September 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Laser Street to Kite Place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Monroe County

U.S. Route 24 – September 25 – 26, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations just before and after bridge over Otter Creek between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Montgomery County

Route K – September 25 – 28, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations 0.5 mile before and after bridge over Loutre River between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – October 2, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from mile marker 180.6 to mile marker 181.6 between 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Schuyler County

U.S. Route 136 (Eastbound) – September 26, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from 0.5 mile before and after bridge over Elm Creek between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Warren County

Missouri Route 94 – September 25 – 26, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from Route B to Case Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route A/Route B – October 1 – 4, continuous LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from just before to just after the bridge over I-70 between 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1 and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Interstate 70 (Eastbound) – October 2 – 3, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from mile marker 187.8 to mile marker 188.2 between 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2 and 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Interstate 70 (Westbound) – October 3 – 4, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from mile marker 188.2 to mile marker 187.8 between 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3 and 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 22, 2023

 

MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT

A Columbia man was injured in an accident that occurred at 1:05pm Wednesday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 28 year old Hakeem Ajiwokewu was on MO 5 when his truck ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.  He was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MDC ASKS DEER HUNTERS TO SHARE THE HARVEST AND FOLLOW CWD REGULATIONS

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages deer hunters to share their harvests to help feed hungry Missourians. MDC also reminds deer hunters to have their deer tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and follow related regulations.

Missouri’s deer season opened with archery hunting on Sept. 15 and runs through the close of the second archery portion on Jan. 15 with other hunting portions during this time. Get more on deer season portions and dates at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.

Share the Harvest

MDC encourages deer hunters to share their harvests by donating surplus venison to the Share the Harvest program to help feed hungry Missourians. The donated deer meat goes to local food banks and food pantries to help feed hungry Missourians all around the state. To get Share the Harvest venison, contact local food banks or food pantries.

Donating is easy. Simply take harvested deer to an approved meat processor and let the processor know how much venison to donate. Meat-processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors.

The program is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and MDC and has provided nearly 5 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians since it was started in 1992.

For more information on Share the Harvest, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/share.

Follow CWD Regulations

CWD is a deadly, infectious disease in deer and other members of the deer family (cervids) that eventually kills all animals it infects. There is no vaccine or cure. CWD is in Missouri and MDC continues its efforts to limit the spread of CWD by finding new cases as early as possible and managing the disease to slow its spread to more deer in more areas.

MDC’s CWD Management Zone consists of counties where or near where CWD has been found. MDC has included 14 new counties as part of the CWD Management Zone this year: Bollinger, Caldwell, Carroll, Clay, Clinton, Dallas, Grundy, Jasper, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Pemiscot, Ray, and Schuyler.

As with all counties in the CWD Management Zone, grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable products used to attract deer are prohibited year-round. Hunters must also follow carcass transportation regulations. The antler-point restriction has also been removed from Caldwell, Carroll, Clinton, Grundy, Livingston, Montgomery, Ray, and Schuyler counties.

Learn more about CWD and related regulations and restrictions online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

CWD Sampling and Testing All Season

As part of its efforts to find cases of CWD early and help slow its spread, MDC is again offering free voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season at select locations throughout the state, including some MDC offices and participating taxidermists and meat processors.

MDC also offers self-service freezer drop-off locations within the CWD Management Zone for hunters to deposit harvested deer heads to have tested for CWD. Instructions, packing supplies, and information tags are available at the sites. Get more information on voluntary sampling and drop-off locations online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

Hunters can get their CWD test results for free online at mdc.mo.gov/cwdResults. Results are usually available within four weeks or less from the time of sampling.

 

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE ENCOURAGES EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DURING SEPTEMBER

National Preparedness Month raises awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies each September. This year, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) continues to focus on consumer awareness and education by partnering with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to encourage emergency preparedness.

A planned discussion during dinner or over the weekend is a great way to review your family emergency plan. Ready.gov has an emergency guide template and other resources available to help initiate the conversation. Part of this plan should include: 

Determining where you and your family will shelter based on the threat you are experiencing. During a tornado, this may be your basement or a community storm shelter. Still it may be underneath your kitchen table during an earthquake. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to go by practicing for each scenario.  Information can be found on Missouri's Stormaware.mo.gov website, which includes detailed videos about taking shelter in specific locations, such as in a mobile home, school, or place of worship.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 21, 2023

 

FATALITY ACCIDENT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

A man was killed in an accident that occurred at 6:20pm Tuesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 39 year old Michael Roberson of St. Louis was on Oak Grove Church Road when his motorcycle overturned, ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington where he died from his injuries a short time later. 

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY NIGHT CRASH

60 year old Dale Geeding of Troy was seriously injured in a Tuesday night crash in Monroe County.  The highway patrol said it occurred at 7:30pm as he was on Highway 154 when his motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway and was ejected from it.  He was life-flighted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.  

 

WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON MISHAP

A Troy woman was injured in a Tuesday afternoon mishap in St. Charles County.  State troopers reported that it happened at around 12:15pm as 43 year old Meredith Lasalle was riding her motorcycle on Highway 94 when she failed to maintain her lane and traveled off the right side of the road and struck an embankment.  She sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.  

 

MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT INCIDENT

A motorcyclist was injured in an incident Monday night in Saline County.  MSHP stated that 42 year old Bobby Clark of Auxvasse was on MO 127 when he failed to negotiate a corner, causing his motorcycle to leave the roadway, hit a shed and was ejected into the side of a house.  He was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.  The incident happened at 10:40pm Monday.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 20, 2023

 

MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONROE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A motorcyclist was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 9:50am Monday in Monroe County.  The patrol says that 49 year old Terry McNabb of Madison was on Route M when his motorcycle struck a deer and ejected him from it.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

NEW MO 19 & I-70 INTERCHANGE COMPLETED AT NEW FLORENCE

Over two months ahead of schedule, the bridge replacement and interchange project located on Missouri Route 19 and Interstate 70 fully opened to traffic Monday, September 18, upon completion of the north roundabout.

Contractor crews with Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. have worked diligently throughout the course of the project to be able to deliver the project early.  Drivers will experience intermittent short-term lane closures on Missouri Route 19, the North Outer Road west of MO 19 and the South Outer Road/Tree Farm Road during overnight hours while crews complete concrete work on the islands at the roundabouts.  Weather permitting, this work is anticipated to be completed within one week.

The final stage of work will include demolition of the old bridge on MO 19 over I-70, currently scheduled for the evening of October 22.  This will require all I-70 traffic to be rerouted over the on/off ramps at this location for up to 24 hours. In case of inclement weather, this work could be rescheduled to the evening of October 29. 

In preparation of the bridge demolition, I-70 will be restricted to one-lane the week of October 17 from 7 PM to 6 AM.  Additional details will be distributed before this work occurs.

 

FORMER MISSOURI DOCTOR SENTENCED TO 22 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR DEFRAUDING MEDICARE, MEDICAID

Last Thursday a Moberly doctor was sentenced to 22 months in prison for falsely using his father’s name to bill Medicare and Medicaid for medical services. 

42 year old Justin G. LaMonda was also ordered to repay $537,332.

His crimes originated after the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts suspended his medical license for 30 days in 2017 after he was accused of engaging in sexual activity with his office manager and prescribing her controlled substances “without sufficient examination and outside of the usual course of professional practice,” LaMonda’s plea agreement says.

LaMonda “flagrantly violated” the revocation of his Medicare and Medicaid billing privileges by fraudulently billing those programs, Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric wrote in a sentencing memorandum.

LaMonda pleaded guilty in March to two counts of making false statements related to health care matters. His medical license has been revoked. LaMonda’s father, Dr. Gary LaMonda, died in September 2021.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the FBI and the Missouri’s Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Sestric prosecuted the case.

 

MAN ARRESTED FOR STATUTORY RAPE AND CHILD MOLESTATION

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of 25 year old Logan M. Johnson of Moberly.  Johnson was arrested on September 15 following an investigation by the Troop B Criminal Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.

On September 14 the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control received a request from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct involving Logan M. Johnson. On September 15 results of the investigation led investigators to arrest Johnson, who was transported to the Randolph County Jail where he was held, pending the filing of formal charges. On September 15 the Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Johnson with three counts of statutory sodomy, one count of statutory rape, five counts of child molestation, and one count of tampering with a witness. Johnson is currently being held in the Randolph County Jail on a $50,000 cash only bond.  

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 19, 2023

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Wednesday, September 13 at approximately 3:08PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of W Boulevard and Dogwood in reference to a juvenile that had been hit by a vehicle.  Responding personnel found that a 9-year-old female was walking home from school when she crossed the road in front of a truck being driven westbound by 33 year old Christina Karkut of Mexico.  Karkut attempted to stop but could not avoid a minor collision.  The juvenile was taken to MU Urgent Care by a parent, where her injuries were treated and she was released.

Pedestrians and drivers are reminded to watch out for each other, especially just before and after school.  Crosswalks should be used when possible and school zone speed limits should be obeyed.

 

MDHEWD AWARDED $5 MILLION GRANT TO HELP MISSOURIANS LAND HIGH-QUALITY JOBS

A $5 million grant awarded to the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) will help Missourians get high-quality jobs in growing industries.  The U.S. Department of Labor announced recently that MDHEWD will receive $5 million in the form of a Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy and Training (QUEST) Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant.

They will work directly with higher education institutions across the state to provide students with necessary wraparound services to remove barriers they may be facing that might otherwise cause them not to complete their training. Wraparound services may include assistance with child care, transportation, housing, or other supportive services to address barriers.  Training services may include tuition assistance, on-the-job training, and registered apprenticeships.

The grant will support unemployed and underemployed Missourians to access, return to, or advance in high-quality jobs in infrastructure, environment and climate, the care economy, and other critical and growing industries.

Missouri is one of 12 states awarded a QUEST Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant for this funding cycle.

 

NEARLY 350,000 ENJOY ANNUAL MISSOURI STATE FAIR TRADITIONS IN 2023

On Monday, Governor Mike Parson and Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe announced that nearly 350,000 visitors attended the annual State Fair in Sedalia, which was held Aug. 10-20, 2023. The figure reflects an approximate two and a half percent increase from last year.

Special events and exhibits celebrated the 2023 Fair theme Where Traditions Grow. Statistics from fairgoer surveys consistently show that one of the top reasons guests attend the Fair is because it is a tradition for their family.

The agriculture showcase, family-friendly attractions and shows, fair food and drink, shopping, and camping also ranked high in the list of why fairgoers came to the Fair in 2023. Concerts were also an important part of the fairgoer experience this year, with the sold-out Lainey Wilson show and nearly sold-out Nelly concert coming in as the most popular.

The carnival midway was a popular destination for Fair guests, recording its second highest year for revenue with the first Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday coming in as the biggest days on record.

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced that entry numbers were also encouraging with more than 25,500 livestock and competitive entries shown at the State Fair in 2023. Notable increases in livestock entries shown included 37 percent for dairy cattle and 30 percent for rabbits. Agriculture Building entries for hams, bacons and summer sausage, apiculture, and horticulture increased 33 percent.

The 2024 Fair will be held Aug. 8-18 in Sedalia. To learn more, visit mostatefair.com.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 18, 2023

 

DRIVER HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK

64 year old David Taylor of Labadie was hurt in a motorcycle wreck Friday afternoon in Franklin County.  State troopers stated that he was on Highway T and traveling too fast for a curve when it traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.  The wreck happened at 3:55pm Friday.

 

BOY HURT IN ATV CRASH SATURDAY AFTERNOON

A Middletown boy was hurt in an ATV crash Saturday afternoon in Audrain County.  The patrol says it occurred at 4:25pm as the 5 year old boy was on private property at 44707 Audrain Road 626 when the ATV struck a utility pole.  The boy was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

 

Audrain County

Route FF – September 18, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Cline Road in Boone County to CR 989 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – September 19 - 20, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 989 to CR 977 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route FF – September 25, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 957 to CR 951 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – September 26, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 957 to CR 951 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – September 27 - 28, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 951 to CR 947 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Macon County

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – September 18 - 19, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from U.S. Route 63 to Long Branch Lake Road between 7:00 a.m. on Monday, September 18 and 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – September 19 - 20, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East and West of Route C and Route O at Bevier between 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 19 and 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 20. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – September 20 - 21, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East and West of Route C and Route O at Bevier between 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 20 and 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 21. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – September 25 - 26, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East to 1 mile West of Fireworks Avenue between 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 25 and 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound) – September 26, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from 0.5 mile East to 1 mile West of Fireworks Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 63 (Northbound) – September 27 - 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Karma Street to Route Y between 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27 and 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 28. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 63 (Northbound) – September 28, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Laser Street to Kite Place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Montgomery County

Route K – September 25 – 28, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations 0.5 mile before and after bridge over Loutre River between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Pike County

Missouri Route 79 – September 18, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route B to CR 120 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Randolph County

Route C – September 18 - 21, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from start to end of bridge over U.S. Route 24 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 15, 2023

 

JOBS REPORT FOR AUGUST 2023

Missouri non-farm payroll employment decreased by 13,700 jobs in August 2023, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point.  Private industry employment decreased by 16,100 jobs, and government employment increased by 2,400 jobs. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in August 2023, up from 2.7 percent in July 2023.  Over the year, there was an increase of 51,700 jobs from August 2022 to August 2023, and the unemployment rate increased by four-tenths of a percentage point, from 2.4 percent in August 2022 to 2.8 percent in August 2023.

 

MSHP INVITES JOB SEEKERS TO CAREER EXPO

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, invites those interested in exploring employment with the agency to attend a career expo set for Thursday Sept. 21 from 10am to 6pm at the MSHP Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City.  In addition to the position of trooper, the Patrol workforce includes over 60 civilian career paths. Divisions with current openings will have representatives available to answer questions about positions and projects, employee benefits, and what it's like to work for the Patrol. Currently, there is a wide variety of job opportunities located throughout the state.

Representatives from the following units will be available to answer questions about employment opportunities:

Aircraft Division
Bomb Squad
Budget & Procurement Division
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
Communications Division
Crime Laboratory Division
Criminal Justice Information Services Division
Dive Team
Driver & Vehicle Safety Division
Fleet & Facilities Division
Gaming Division
Human Resources Division
Missouri Information Analysis Center
Recruiting & Community Outreach Division
Water Patrol Division

The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers an excellent benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement and savings (MoDOT & Patrol Employees' Retirement System (MPERS), deferred compensation, and cafeteria plan); leave (vacation, sick, 13 paid holidays, and more); and flexible work schedules. Some positions also offer a teleworking option.

For more information contact: Lieutenant Alex Vivas, Recruiting and Community Outreach Division, at (573) 751-9901 x1053, or Trooper Robert "Mike" Malone, Recruiting and Community Outreach Division, at (573) 508-9804.

 

MISSOURI PSC SUPPORTS NATIONAL DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY AND LIFELINE AWARENESS WEEK

Staying connected with family and friends, seeking emergency and government services as well as community resources is essential.  The Lifeline Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program can help eligible low-income customers access broadband and phone services.  The Missouri Public Service Commission helps the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) administer the Lifeline program and joins a national effort in observing National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week September 11-17, 2023.

Funding for the Lifeline Program is primarily from the federal Universal Service Fund, but additional funding may also be provided by the Missouri Universal Service Fund. Missouri also has a separate program for eligible disabled customers. The overall monthly discount can be as much as $24.00 for landline Lifeline service if it includes voice service.  Wireless service can also qualify for Lifeline discounts but the monthly discount is limited to $9.25.  Customers may be eligible for assistance if their annual household income level is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level or if a member of the household participates in any of these programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps; MOHealthnet (or Medicaid); Supplemental Security Income; Federal Public Housing Assistance; Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit; or certain disability benefits.  The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program which provides a qualifying subscriber with a $30.00 monthly discount for broadband service and up to $100.00 for the purchase of computer and broadband-related equipment.  A consumer qualifies for ACP if they are eligible for the Lifeline program, have a total household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, participates in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year, received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program, and that provider received FCC approval for its eligibility verification process.

The ACP discount and Lifeline discount is limited to one per household but a household qualifying for the ACP and Lifeline programs can receive both discounts. In such instances, the household will need to separately apply to both programs.  Not all companies participate in the Lifeline and ACP programs. Please contact your local voice provider and/or internet provider to see if they participate. For more information, visit www.lifelinesupport.org for the Lifeline program and www.Getinternet.gov for the ACP program.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 14, 2023

 

DRIVER INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK

20 year old Christian Mike Mariano of Union was injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 7am Tuesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says he was on Highway T when his SUV traveled off the roadway and into a ditch.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

THREE INJURED, TWO SERIOUSLY IN TUESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT

Three people were injured, two seriously in a Tuesday morning accident in Randolph County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 11am as a truck driven by 81 year old Terry Bagby of Huntsville was on Route A when he failed to yield and pulled into the path of a van driven by 72 year old Patrick Boone of Sturgeon.  Boone along with one of his passengers’ 52 year old Jan Boone of Sturgeon sustained serious injuries while his other passenger 70 year old James Boone of Higbee suffered moderate injuries.  All three were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

MSHP: STAY ALERT DURING HARVEST SEASON

In 2022, there were 177 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment/implements. In those crashes, seven people were killed and 63 were injured. Missouri has entered harvest season and it’s important that drivers and farmers pay attention and share the road. Farmers and motorists are encouraged to be courteous drivers and to obey all traffic laws.

Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Please remain vigilant!

Farmers

* Make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway.

*If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can pass.

*Always drive as far to the right as possible.

*It's harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so please don't travel on the road during those times if possible.

* Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a "slow-moving vehicle" emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age.

Remember: Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunset and sunrise for agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure.

Drivers:

* Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment.

* When you drive up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient.

* Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.

* Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.

* It's important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.

Traffic safety is everyone's responsibility. It's that simple.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 12, 2023

 

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A St. Clair teen was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6pm Sunday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 18 year old Korey Hedge was on Sunny Meadows Road and driving too fast for the curvy conditions when his vehicle began skidding and it overturned onto its right side.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.

 

MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY CRASH

A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Sunday afternoon crash in Boone County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 3:40pm as 51 year old Steve Coats of Columbia was eastbound on I-70 when he turned in front of a truck driven by 53 year old Scott Stuhr of Central City, NE and after the collision was ejected from his motorcycle.  Coats was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

TWO INJURED IN ATV MISHAP

Two people from Linn were injured in an ATV mishap Sunday afternoon in Osage County.  State troopers stated that 21 year old Gavin Edwards was on Route CC when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his ATV to exit the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to cross the road and exit the left side of the road where he overcorrected once more and it overturned and struck a tree.  He sustained moderate injuries while his passenger a 17 year old boy suffered minor injuries.  Both were taken to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City for treatment.  The mishap occurred at 3:10pm Sunday.

 

COMMISSION AWARDS CONTRACTS IN NORTHEAST MISSOURI

During its regular meeting on Thursday September 7, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded contracts for corridor improvements/turn lane, a bridge replacement, a slide repair and pavement replacement, and multiple resurfacing projects in the Northeast District. 

Contract information and project locations are as follows:

  • A $788,629 contract was awarded to E & C Bridge, LLC, for a bridge replacement project located on Missouri Route 149 in Macon County,2 miles south of Missouri Route 156 near Gifford. 
  • A $2.6M contract was awarded to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., for a slide repair, grading and pavement project located on Missouri Route 3 in Randolph County, from 0.2 miles south of County Road 2130 to Sweet Spring Creek.
  • A $1.1M contract was awarded to Karrenbrock Construction, Inc. for a corridor improvement/turn lane project on I-70 South Outer Road/Veterans Memorial Parkway in Warren County, located at Archer Road near Foristell. This is a cost share project with Warren County.
  • A $4.7M contract was awarded to Magruder Paving, LLC, for resurfacing projects at the following locations:
    1. Audrain/Montgomery County, Route BB - From U.S. Route 54 to Missouri Route 161. 
    2. Montgomery County, Route A - From Missouri Route 19 to Missouri Route 161.
    3. Audrain/Montgomery County, Route AA - From Route BB to Missouri Route 19 in Wellsville.
    4. Pike County, Route Y - From Business Route 61 in Bowling Green to the end of state maintenance.
      • A $7M contract was awarded to W.L. Miller Company for resurfacing projects at the following locations:
        1. Clark County, Route C - From Missouri Route 81 to Missouri Route 27.
        2. Knox/Lewis County, Route K - From Missouri Route 15 in Baring to Missouri Route 6 in La Belle.
        3. Lewis County, Route N - From Missouri Route 6 to end of state maintenance.
        4. Lewis County, Route P - From U.S. Route 61 in Canton to Route C. 
        5. Lewis County, U.S. Route 61 Outer Road - From Business Route 61 to end of state maintenance in Canton.

The resurfacing projects are included as part of Gov. Parson’s Rural Road program. With the Governor’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, an additional $100 million in General Revenue is available for Missouri’s low volume rural roads. Using asset management data, the Missouri Department of Transportation has identified 1,567 lane miles of low volume roads ranked in poor condition.  These locations will receive resurfacing treatments of hot mix asphalt to improve the road conditions. The roads are being bundled into several large contracts across the state. For more information on the Governor’s Rural Roads Program, visit Governor's Rural Roads Program | Missouri Department of Transportation (modot.org) 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 11, 2023

 

MAN KILLED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK

28 year old Michael Bira of Marthasville was killed in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in St. Charles County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 7pm as he was on Highway N when his truck ran off the right side of the road, he overcorrected and returned to the roadway and then it ran off the left side of the road and overturned.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

TEEN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY CRASH

A New Haven teen was hurt in a Saturday afternoon crash in Franklin County.  State troopers stated that the 16 year old boy was on Highway C when he swerved to avoid a vehicle in his lane and traveled off the right side of the road into a ditch and then he attempted to steer back onto the roadway but overcorrected, causing his truck to return to the road and skidded across and off the left side into another ditch, struck a highway sign and spun and continued down the ditch until it’s rear bumper struck a large cedar tree.  The teen was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.  The crash happened at 4:20pm Saturday.

 

DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING INCIDENT

A driver was hurt in a Saturday morning incident in Audrain County.  MSHP reported that it occurred at around 10:45am as 69 year old Charles Fox of Laddonia was on 401 Poplar Street when he suffered a medical issue and became unconscious, causing his SUV to travel off the right side of the roadway, collided with a parked truck and then struck a tree.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

A motorcyclist was killed in an accident that occurred at 6:10pm Thursday in Macon County.  The patrol says that 74 year old Ronald Wilson of Moberly was on Route T when his motorcycle struck a deer in the roadway and was ejected from it.  He was taken to Moberly Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries a short time later.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 8, 2023

 

WOMAN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK

A Union woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 3pm as 82 year old Janet Kugel was on Clearview Road when she failed to maintain control as she was making a left turn onto Route A and her vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, she attempted to regain control and overcorrected, causing her vehicle to hit a ditch and then it continued off the road into the backyard of 1582 Clearview Road.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries. 

 

MAN INJURED IN EARLY THURSDAY MORNING ACCIDENT

22 year old Jacob Ronimous of Hannibal was injured in an accident that occurred just before 7am Thursday in Marion County.  The patrol says he was on Highway C when his car ran off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

DED AWARDS NEARLY $11 MILLION THROUGH THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM TO 22 COMMUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

The Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced it has awarded a total of nearly $11 million to 22 communities through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to assist with various improvement projects.

“Maintaining infrastructure is vital to keeping Missourians safe and communities strong,” said Governor Mike Parson. “The Community Development Block Grant Program is another way we’re investing in critical infrastructure and improving public safety statewide. These grants are funding projects that benefit communities’ wellbeing while increasing their capacity for future economic growth.”

Funded projects include street and roadway repairs, stormwater and drainage improvements, demolition of dilapidated structures, and construction of new public facilities.

“Projects funded through the Community Development Block Grant Program help Missourians prosper by making needed improvements to the infrastructure and facilities they rely on every day,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “As a result of this program, communities are provided opportunities for growth that strengthen our entire state’s economy.”

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 7, 2023

 

WOMAN KILLED IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK

A woman was killed in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Lincoln County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 11:40pm as 22 year old Saraya Sanders of Lake St. Louis was on North Lindsey Road when her car crossed the center of the road, she overcorrected and ran off the right side of the road, struck a guardrail end, became airborne and went into a creek bed, struck a rock bluff and overturned.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 7:45pm Tuesday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 32 year old Jacob Wiese of Linneus was on MO 11 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and began overturning, ejecting the driver.  He was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield with serious injuries. 

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Sunday, September 3 at approximately 11:29am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 400 block of Yale in reference to a disturbance involving a weapon.  Responding officers contacted Travis K Baclesse, age 33 of Mexico, who was armed with a knife.  Officers were able to safely take Baclesse into custody and he was eventually transported to the Audrain County Jail for Domestic Assault 3rd degree, Assault 4th degree-Special Victim, Unlawful Use of Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Armed Criminal Action.  Personnel from the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri State Highway Patrol also responded to the scene to assist.

 

On Sunday, September 3 at approximately 11:16am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of N Jefferson Street and Vine Street in reference to a crash involving a bicycle.  Responding personnel learned that Jo Ann Thomas, age 73 of Mexico, was traveling northbound on Jefferson Street near Vine in her 2017 Toyota, when she passed an E-bike being ridden by Jason King, age 53 of Mexico.  Thomas proceeded to then turn at the intersection, into the path of the bicycle.  There were no injuries from the crash.

 

MSHP RELEASES LABOR DAY HOLIDAY STATISTICS

Twelve people died in traffic crashes, no one died in a boating crash, and no one drowned during the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend. The Patrol investigated nine of the traffic fatalities. The Joplin (MO) Police Department investigated two traffic fatalities, and Springfield (MO) Police Department investigated one traffic fatality during the holiday weekend counting period. The 2023 counting period for the Labor Day holiday was from 6 p.m., Friday, September 1, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 4.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following enforcement activity during 2023 Labor Day holiday:

MSHP Traffic Statistics (preliminary):

Crashes ¯ 306
Injuries ¯ 146
Fatalities ¯ 9
DWI ¯ 119
Drug Arrests ¯ 19

MSHP Boating Statistics (preliminary):

Crashes ─ 11
Injuries ─ 2
Fatalities ─ 0
BWI ¯ 2
Drownings — 0
Drug Arrests ¯ 0

(Note: During the 2022 counting period, the Patrol investigated 286 traffic crashes, which included 119 injuries and four of the seven fatalities. Troopers made 121 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the Labor Day holiday 2022: Troopers investigated eight boating crashes involving one fatality and five injuries; and arrested five people for boating while intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. One person drowned over the 2022 Labor Day holiday weekend.)

Troopers investigated nine of the 12 fatal traffic crashes over the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend. Two fatal traffic crashes occurred in each of the Troop B, Macon, MO, Troop D, Springfield, MO, and Troop H, St. Joseph, MO, areas. One fatal traffic crash each occurred in the Troop A, Lee’s Summit, MO, Troop E, Poplar Bluff, MO, and Troop G, Willow Springs, MO, areas.

 

MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

The following incidents/arrests were investigated by the Moberly Police Department between the hours of 7am on 08/30/2023 and 7am 09/01/2023.

 

On August 30, 2023, a Moberly Officer contacted 33-year-old Andrea Williams at College Town Apartments. Williams was placed under arrest on an active Randolph County Warrant for original charges of possession of a controlled substance. Williams was transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On August 30, 2023, a Moberly Officer contacted 39-year-old Dustin Brown on a traffic stop in the 300 block of W. Rollins St. Brown was placed under arrest for a probation violation warrant. Brown was transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On August 31, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to the Probation and Parole Office and arrested 45-year-old Bryan Rogers for an active warrant. Rogers was transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On August 31, 2023, a Moberly Officer initiated a traffic stop on S. Morley St. The driver, identified as 33-year-old Brandon Charles, was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and driving while revoked. Charles was later transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 6, 2023  

 

CENTRALIA TEEN HURT IN BOONE COUNTY WRECK

A Centralia teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Boone County.  The patrol says it occurred at 8:25pm as the 18 year old girl was on Route B when her vehicle struck a deer.  She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MAN HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

35 year old Christopher Crawford of Gerald was hurt in a Monday afternoon crash in Gasconade County.  The highway patrol said he was on MO 19 when his truck traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a fence and went into a pond.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Hermann Hospital for treatment.  The crash happened at 2:20pm Monday.

 

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

A man and a teenage girl from Vandalia were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 2:15pm Monday in Pike County.  State troopers stated that 40 year old Joseph Resor and his passenger a 16 year old girl were on US 54 when their motorcycle struck an unknown object in the road and after impact it overturned, ejecting both from the motorcycle, before it went off the south side of the road.  The teen was air-lifted by helicopter to St. Louis Children’s Hospital while the man was air-lifted to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER KILLED IN SHELBY COUNTY INCIDENT

A Bethel driver was killed in an early Monday morning incident in Shelby County.  The patrol says that it occurred at 3am as 50 year old Christopher White was on Shelby County Road 242 when his ATV slid off the left side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting him from the ATV.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 4-5, 2023  

 

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two people from Sullivan were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 1:15am Saturday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 44 year old Jess Earney was on Missouri 185 when he swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway, but still struck it with his motorcycle and it overturned, ejecting both the man and his passenger 40 year old Heidi Earney.  Jess sustained serious injuries while Heidi suffered moderate injuries.  Both were transported by ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment.

 

DRIVER HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK

Another incident involving a deer happened early Saturday morning in Franklin County as a driver was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.  The highway patrol said 20 year old Randy Stephens of Sullivan was on Missouri 185 when he swerved to avoid a deer in the road and his truck overturned.  He was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment of minor injuries.  The wreck happened at around 1:50am Saturday.

 

MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH SATURDAY AFTERNOON

21 year old Jonathon Burke of Wright City was injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon in Warren County.  State troopers stated that it happened just before 2pm as he was on South Stracks Church Road when his motorcycle struck loose oil dry in the road and he was unable to maintain control and it traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting him from his motorcycle.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Wednesday, August 30 at approximately 1:56am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 400 block of W Monroe in reference to gunshots being fired.  Responding officers contacted Jacob L Etheridge, age 23, in the area.  Investigation indicated Etheridge was impaired and had fired a gun out of frustration with a nearby business.  Etheridge was arrested and processed at MPSD, and later taken to the Audrain County Jail for Unlawful Use of Weapon.  There were no injuries from the incident.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

________________________________________________________________

 

            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

September 1, 2023  

 

NEW SOUTH ROUNDABOUT OPENS AT NEW FLORENCE INTERCHANGE

The bridge replacement and interchange project located on Missouri Route 19 and Interstate 70 is set to enter the final stages including reduced traffic impacts.

Weather permitting, September 1, the following portions of the project will be complete and open to traffic:

New I-70 eastbound off and on-ramps

The South Outer Road (Tree Farm Road) east and west of MO 19

The south roundabout

Construction continues on the eastern portion of the north roundabout and islands on the south roundabout.  During this time, drivers can expect to experience the following traffic impacts:

The North Outer Road, Booneslick, west of MO 19, will open from Highway 19 to FastLane, but will have right-in/right-out only access at Highway 19.  Drivers wishing to travel northbound on MO 19 from the North Outer Road/Booneslick will continue to use Clark Drive.

Upon exiting WB I-70, traffic will detour onto the temporary off-ramp and onto a portion of the North Outer Road/Booneslick.  This detour will accommodate one-way traffic only and access to businesses will be right-in/right-out only.  At the intersection with MO 19 only right turn movements will be permitted to travel north.  Motorists wishing to travel southbound on MO 19 from the WB I-70 exit ramp will utilize the Clark Drive extension as a detour loop in conjunction with the north outer road.

The North Outer Road/Booneslick will be closed to eastbound traffic between MO 19 and Coop Road

The I-70 WB on-ramp will re-open from southbound MO 19.  Northbound MO 19 traffic will access this ramp by taking Clark Drive to the North Outer Road.

Over the next several weeks, temporary nighttime lane restrictions will be in place between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. to allow for placement of concrete for the islands at the south roundabout.

 

DRIVER KILLED, ANOTHER DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT

A driver was killed while the other driver was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:15pm Wednesday in Jefferson County.  The patrol says that 50 year old Lyle Skinner of Wentzville was on Missouri 30 when he stopped for a changing electrical signal and his motorcycle was struck in the rear by another motorcycle operated by 58 year old John Morgan of St. Peters and after impact both were ejected from their motorcycles.  Both were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital South where Morgan died a short time later from his injuries, meanwhile Skinner is being treated for serious injuries.

 

MAN HURT IN MACON COUNTY WRECK

A Macon man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Macon County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 8:40pm as 38 year old Jesse Heller was a passenger in a truck driven by 21 year old Joshua Roper of Macon.  They were on US 36 when Roper lost control of the truck which was pulling a trailer and it traveled off the right side of the roadway.  Heller was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MSHP: INCLUDE SAFETY IN YOUR PLANS FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2023 Labor Day weekend. Whether you are on the water or on the road, it’s everyone's responsibility to travel safely and observe all Missouri laws. Never operate a vehicle or vessel while you are impaired. Alcohol affects your judgement, reaction time, vision, coordination, and comprehension. The movement of the boat, vibration and noise from the boat’s motor, sun, and wind are all boating stressors and enhance the effect of alcohol on your body. If alcohol is part of your water activities, drink responsibly, and never operate a vessel if you’ve consumed alcohol.

The 2023 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6 p.m., Friday, September 1, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 4, 2023.

The Labor Day holiday is a busy boating weekend. Before you take your boat on the water, inspect fuel lines and hose connections for leaks, and test the battery to confirm it is charged. When refueling, turn off any electrical devices which could create a spark. After refueling, open the engine compartment to visually inspect and smell for fuel leaks. Activate the blower system for at least four minutes before restarting the vessel.

In 2022, there were eight boating crashes which included one fatality and five injuries. One person drowned over last year's Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested five people for boating while intoxicated during last year's counting period.

Marine enforcement troopers will be working to make our waterways safer during the holiday weekend. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers and being courteous on the water. Smaller vessels should yield right-of-way to larger vessels. Boaters should avoid overloading their boat with too many passengers and always pay close attention to the boats around them. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability. Treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Be courteous and follow all of Missouri’s boating laws. Remember: Life jackets save lives. Wear one when you are on or around water.

If you'll be on the road this Labor Day holiday, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before you depart. Drive courteously and obey all of Missouri's traffic laws. Remember to buckle up and pay attention as you travel.

Help ensure a safer Labor Day weekend for everyone.

In Missouri, seven people died and 398 were injured in 1,041 traffic crashes over the 2022 Labor Day holiday. This means one person was killed or injured every 11.5 minutes. Troopers arrested 121 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways and waterways. Troopers on the roadways will be enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and impaired driving laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists.

The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive whether you are in your boat or your car. Please don't become a statistic.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

August 31, 2023

 

WOMAN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Wellsville woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 4:10pm Tuesday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 60 year old Denise Keller was on US 54 when her SUV was bumped in the rear by a truck driven by 65 year old Glen Miller of Auxvasse.  She suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

DRIVER INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK

A driver was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Wednesday morning in Marion County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 10:50am as 67 year old Richard Epperson of New London attempted to cross Veterans Road and pulled into the path of a car driven by 39 year old April Darnell of Hannibal.  Darnell was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

PHONE SCAM ALERT IN ADAIR COUNTY

Another phone scam alert has been reported in northeast Missouri.  According to KTVO, on Wednesday in a Facebook post the Adair County Sheriff’s Office warned residents that scammers are making calls asking for payments for outstanding warrants and other legal matters, claiming to be a member of the Sheriff’s Office.  They may even spoof the phone number to appear like it’s a real call from the Sheriff’s Office.  If you get a call like this, do not provide any information and hang up.  The Adair County Sheriff’s Office does not make calls asking for payments and they also don’t process payments for warrants or any other service by phone.  If you ever receive a call that appears to come from the sheriff’s office, you can verify it by calling them back at 660-665-4644.

   

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

August 30, 2023

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Fulton man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at around 6:15pm Monday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 21 year old Evan Mackey was on Route UU and driving with emergency equipment activated while en route to a call when he failed to negotiate a curve when his vehicle came upon a vehicle in the road and traveled off the right side and struck a ditch.  He was air-lifted by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

70 year old Mark Welch of Boonville was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in Lafayette County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:55pm as he was on the North Outer Road East of Concordia when he failed to negotiate a curve and his truck struck a guardrail.  He was taken to Western Missouri Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

NEW DIALING PROCEDURE COMING TO THE 573 AREA CODE IN MISSOURI

The Missouri Public Service Commission, the North American

Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) and the telecommunications industry remind customers to continue preparing for a new area code (235) in the current 573 area code in Missouri.  As part of that process, customers should prepare for 10-digit local dialing.  The 235 area code will be added as an overlay to the 573 region.  An overlay is the addition of another area code (235) to the same geographic region served by an existing area code (573). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code, but does require customers to dial the area code to complete local calls.

A six-month permissive dialing period began on August 26, 2023, to give consumers

adequate time to adjust to the dialing changes.  During this period, local calls can be made with either 7 or 10 digits, and all calls that are local will continue to be local even though you dial 10 digits.

Beginning February 24, 2024, all local calls made within the 573 area code must be placed using 10 digits (area code + the 7-digit telephone number). On and after that date, calls placed using just 7 digits will not be completed.

Starting on March 24, 2024, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 235 area code.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

August 29, 2023

 

MAN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A St. Louis man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 3:50pm Sunday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 58 year old Joseph Larson was eastbound on I-44 when his motorcycle was struck in the rear by a car driven by 72 year old Bette Weisman of Chesterfield who was following too closely and then caused it to slide and eject him from the motorcycle.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRIDAY MORNING WRECK

57 year old Tammy Wheeler of Memphis was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck in Scotland County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 11:30am last Friday as she was on US 136 when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a fence and a tree before overturning. She was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN RANDOLPH COUNTY CRASH

A driver was hurt in a automobile crash in Randolph County.  State troopers stated that 26 year old Sierra LeBlanc was on County Road 2515 when they failed to negotiate a curve, causing the vehicle to run off the left side of the road and overturned.  The driver decided to seek own treatment for minor injuries.  The crash occurred at 10:55am last Friday. 

 

HANDS-FREE LAW TOOK EFFECT ON MONDAY

After two years in a row of more than 1,000 fatalities on Missouri’s roadways, Gov. Mike Parson signed the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, prohibiting all drivers from using a handheld electronic communication device while driving, which took effect on Monday.  Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes in Missouri.  Between 2012 and 2021, there were nearly 200,000 distracted driving-related crashes in Missouri, resulting in at least 801 fatalities.  Cell phone use is responsible for far more distracted driving crashes than are being reported, according to a recent report from the National Safety Council.  When the law took effect Aug. 28, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body; manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages; recording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; and watching a video or movie.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

August 28, 2023

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

24 year old Wyatt Huskey of Sullivan was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 8:50pm Saturday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that he was on Jake’s Prairie Road when he failed to negotiate a curve and his ATV overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK

A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:50am as 33 year old Nash Mroah Sim of Owensboro, KY was eastbound on I-44 and traveling too fast for wet road conditions when his car began sliding and struck a guardrail.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.

 

WOMAN INJURED IN CALLAWAY COUNTY CRASH

A Mokane woman was injured in a crash that occurred at 3:40am Sunday in Callaway County.  State troopers stated that 32 year old Kathryn Vandelicht was on MO 94 when her SUV ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a concrete culvert.  She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

TEEN GIRL KILLED, TWO TEEN BOYS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING ACCIDENT

A teenage girl was killed, while two teenage boys were seriously injured in an early Sunday morning accident in Macon County.  The patrol says that a 15 year old girl from Bevier was a passenger in a car driven by a 16 year old boy from Bevier.  They were on MO 3 when the car traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting the girl from it.  She was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver and his other passenger a 18 year old boy from Macon sustained serious injuries.  The driver was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon while his passenger was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.  The accident occurred after 2:30am Sunday.  

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

August 25, 2023

 

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Columbia woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6:30am Wednesday in Boone County.  The patrol says that 25 year old Page Burnett was on Route Z when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, she overcorrected, causing it to return to the road and went off the left side and overturned.  She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

62 year old Nancy Carico of Marceline was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in St. Charles County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 2:25pm as she was on US 61 when her SUV ran off the right side of the road, went up a hill and then down an embankment, overturned and came to rest upright in a creek bed.  She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

PUBLIC INVITED TO INFORMATION MEETINGS FOR STATEWIDE IMPROVE I-70 PROGRAM

The Missouri Department of Transportation is inviting the public to informational meetings to learn more about MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program. MoDOT’s Northeast district will host two of these meetings on:

  • August 29, 4-6 p.m. at the Warren County Administration Building, 101 Mockingbird Lane in Warrenton
  • August 31, 5-7 p.m. at the Jonesburg Elementary School, 106 Smith Road in Jonesburg

Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly signed into law by Governor Parson provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue for the costs to build a third lane of Interstate 70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add a third lane in each direction on approximately 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.

The public is invited to attend the informational meetings to learn about the proposed plan and next steps for I-70. Please note these are open house style meetings, and no formal presentations will be made. The public can attend the meetings anytime during the advertised hours, and the information will be the same at each location. For a full list of public meeting dates and locations, click here.

MoDOT is currently in the planning stage of the Improve I-70 Program. MoDOT engineers will share preliminary information about the goals for improving I-70, possible construction schedules for the 200 miles, and next steps. MoDOT is interested in gathering feedback from the public regarding I-70’s current condition, construction staging, and other general comments they may have. Public input is important ahead of the design phase of the work. For those who are unable to attend a meeting in person, the information that will be presented and an online comment form will be available starting August 28 at www.modot.org/improvei70/public-involvement. The comment period online will be open from Monday, Aug. 28, through Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

August 24, 2023

 

MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH

71 year old William Whitney of Washington was injured in a Wednesday morning crash in Franklin County.  State troopers stated that he was on Route AJ when his truck ran off the roadway, struck a ditch and several trees.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.  The crash occurred after 9am Wednesday.

 

WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

A Villa Ridge woman was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 2:30pm as 30 year old Kelsey Larose was on MO 100 at I-44 when she attempted to make a left turn and her jeep was struck by a truck driven by 22 year old Colt Stevens of Villa Ridge which had failed to stop at a steady red traffic signal.  She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.

 

TEEN HURT IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Macon teen was hurt in an accident that occurred at 1pm Tuesday in Macon County.  The patrol says that a 16 year old girl was on Kestrel Avenue when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch.  She was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.

 

STATE AWARDS MORE THAN $3.7 MILLION IN ARPA FUNDING TO HELP REVITALIZE NORTHERN MISSOURI COMMUNITIES

The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced on Monday that it has awarded a total of more than $3.7 million through the second round of the Community Revitalization Grant Program for six projects in northern Missouri. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is focused on investing in communities of all sizes to support local priorities, encourage economic recovery, and build resilience for the future.

The second round of the Community Revitalization Grant Program was launched in May 2023 to ensure an equitable distribution of funds for Missouri’s north region, which did not exhaust the $10 million available during the first round. The program’s second round awarded competitive grants to applicants, including municipalities and nonprofit organizations, to benefit communities affected by the pandemic. Grant awards will fund a variety of projects, such as downtown property renovations, historic district redevelopment, and community facilities.

Details on recipients of the Community Revitalization Grant Program’s second round are available here.

To learn more about DED’s ARPA-funded grant programs, visit ded.mo.gov/arpa.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

August 23, 2023

 

DRIVER HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING COLLISION    

A Paris driver was hurt in a Tuesday morning collision in Monroe County.  The patrol says it occurred at 9am as 63 year old Peggy Lehenbauer was northbound and 61 year old David Fitzgerald of Holiday was eastbound on US 24 when their vehicles collided head-on.  Lehenbauer was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.   

 

MAN HURT IN MONDAY NIGHT CRASH

23 year old Darren Peecher of Monroe City was hurt in a Monday night crash in Ralls County.  State troopers stated that he was riding a motorized bicycle on Birch Lane when he lost control on the gravel road and it overturned.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment.  The crash happened at 5:35pm Monday.

 

MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

A motorcyclist was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12:30pm Tuesday in Macon County.  The patrol says that 71 year old John Williams of Kirksville was on US 63 when his motorcycle ran off the roadway, began to slide and overturned, ejecting him from it.  He was taken to Northeast Regional Hospital in Kirksville with serious injuries.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Sunday at approximately 8:53pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 4800 block of S Clark in reference to a vehicle fire.  Responding personnel found a 2014 Nissan sedan with flame coming from the passenger compartment.  The fire was extinguished but not before the passenger compartment and the numerous items packed inside were destroyed.  The owner of the vehicle, a 52-year-old female from Auxvasse, could not give much information about what occurred prior to the fire.  She requested Audrain Ambulance District transport her to University Hospital, but she had no visible injuries.  The vehicle was later towed from the scene. 

 

On Thursday, August 17 at about 3:26am, an alert resident notified the Mexico Public Safety Department about some suspicious activity in the northwest part of town.  By around 4:06am, officers learned of numerous vehicles that had been rummaged through in the north part of Mexico.  Items had been stolen from some of the vehicles and in one instance, the vehicle itself had been stolen and abandoned about 10 blocks away.  Beginning around 12:20pm, five juvenile males, ages 12-16, were located and detained for their roles in the various incidents.  Two of the juveniles were taken into custody by the 12th Circuit Court-Juvenile Division and Division of Youth Services.  The others were released to their guardians for follow up with the Juvenile Office.   

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

 

August 22, 2023

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH

24 year old Roper Calvert of Hermann was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash that occurred at 6:25pm Sunday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that he was on Highway B and traveling too fast for the conditions of the roadway when he failed to negotiate a curve, causing his motorcycle to overturn and travel off the left side of the road and also eject him from it.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.

 

TROY MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT INCIDENT

A Troy man was seriously injured in a Sunday night incident in St. Charles County.  MSHP reports that 38 year old Daniel Hammer was eastbound on I-70 ramp to northbound US 61 when he lost control of his motorcycle and it ran off the left side of the road and overturned, ejecting him from it.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.  The incident happened at around 11:55pm Sunday.

 

WOMAN HURT IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK

A woman was hurt in a two-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Callaway County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 7:15am as 25 year old Abbie Romph of Holts Summit was stopped at a traffic light on US 54 when her car was struck in the rear by a jeep driven by 30 year old Ivett Silva of Fulton.  Romph sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

DRIVER KILLED IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Green City driver was killed in an accident that occurred at around 11:20pm Sunday in Macon County.  The patrol says that 60 year old Samuel Ratliff was on US 63 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a tree and overturned.  He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 21, 2023

 

MAN INJURED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Mexico man was injured in an accident that occurred at around 3:45pm Saturday in Audrain County.  The patrol says that a truck driven by 32 year old Jade Mcelyea of Auxvasse was on Audrain County Road 845 while another truck driven by 63 year old Bruce Mueller was on Audrain County Road 852.  Both approached the intersection and the woman attempted to turn left when she crossed paths with the man’s truck and they collided.  Mueller was taken to MU Urgent Care in Mexico for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

DRIVER INJURED IN SATURDAY MORNING WRECK

64 year old Daniel Right of Gerald was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in Gasconade County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 9:45am as he was on Missouri 28 when he suffered a medical condition, causing his truck to travel off the left side of the roadway and struck several trees.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.

 

MOTORCYCLIST SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY EVENING CRASH

A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Saturday evening crash in Boone County.  State troopers stated that a motorcycle ridden by 27 year old Randall Fisher of Columbia and a car driven by a 17 year old girl from Columbia both made a lane change at approximately the same time on MO 763 and the motorcycle was traveling at an excessive rate of speed when it struck the rear of the car and then he was ejected from his motorcycle.  Fisher was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.  The crash happened at around 8:20pm Saturday.

 

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT

A St. Louis woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:50pm Friday in Pike County.  MSHP reported that 34 year old Katherine Fagin was on US 61 when her car ran off the right side of the road, went down an embankment, struck a tree line and overturned.  She was air-lifted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 18, 2023

 

MAN STRUCK AND KILLED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man was struck and killed in an accident that occurred after 9pm Wednesday in Montgomery County.  The patrol says that 43 year old Curtis Berry of Houston, TX was on the south outer road of I-70 when he was struck in the roadway by a freightliner driven by a Fowler, CA man and after impact the freightliner ran off the left side of the road, struck a guy wire and a culvert.  Berry was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

DRIVER HURT IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

39 year old Jesse Ellsworth of Truesdale was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Montgomery County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 3:10pm as he was on Route E when his car struck a deer in the road, causing it to travel off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.

 

TWO INJURED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY VEHICLE WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Two people from Eolia were injured after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday night in Pike County.  State troopers report that 65 year old Jean Stidem of Eolia was distracted and did not notice her SUV was in drive when it rolled forward and struck 36 year old Carolyn Todd and 52 year old Matthew Todd and also a house.  Carolyn Todd was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis while Matthew Todd was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.  The mishap occurred at 9:25pm Wednesday.

 

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN DIRT BIKE INCIDENT

A teen was seriously injured in a dirt bike incident Wednesday afternoon in Marion County.  MSHP stated that it happened at 12pm as a 14 year old boy from Colorado Springs, CO was on private property on County Road 428 when he overcorrected and lost control causing his dirt bike to strike the ground.  He was transported by helicopter to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 17, 2023

 

MAN HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Columbia man was hurt in an accident that occurred at around 8:15am Wednesday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 36 year old Anthony Mars was on US 63 when he pulled to the shoulder as his goggles began to fog and then returned to the roadway where his motorcycle struck the rear bumper of a car with its front tire and overturned onto its right side.  Mars sustained minor injuries and was taken to Capital Region Medical Center for treatment.

 

WOMAN INJURED IN TUESDAY MORNING WRECK

59 year old Jacqueline Fernald of Columbia was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday morning in Callaway County.  State troopers stated that she was westbound on I-70 when her truck hydroplaned, ran off the right side of the road and struck the median cables.  She was taken to Boone Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.  The wreck happened at around 8:20am Tuesday.

 

TEEN KILLED IN ATV CRASH

A Waverly teen was killed in an ATV crash Tuesday night in Lafayette County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 7:40pm as a 13 year old boy was riding his ATV on Durant Road when it traveled off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.  The teen was taken to Carroll County Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later. 

 

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE RECEIVES REACCREDITATION FROM NAIC

The Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation (F) Committee of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) voted to reaccredit the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) for a full 5 years at the NAIC's 2023 Summer National Meeting.  This is the highest recommendation level from the F Committee and certifies that DCI is meeting a standard that ensures all other states can rely on the department’s work, demonstrating DCI’s commitment to excellence when using statutory and administrative authority to regulate an insurer’s corporate and financial affairs.

A system of effective solvency regulation provides crucial safeguards for insurance consumers as consumers benefit when the insurance industry is strong enough financially to be able to pay and settle claims in a timely manner.

The accreditation program also allows for inter-state cooperation and reduces regulatory redundancies.  All accredited states require financial examinations on all companies that are licensed in the state; however, in lieu of performing its own examination, a state may accept the examination report prepared by an accredited insurance department. This keeps costs low for companies and consumers, allowing other states to rely on the work performed by the department rather than conducting their own examination and analysis. This saves millions of dollars in duplicative costs.

DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, utilities, and various professional licensees operating in the state.  For more information about the department, please visit their website at dci.mo.gov.

 

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 16, 2023

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NEXT TWO WEEKS

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next two weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

 

Adair County

Route Y – August 17 & August 21, LANE RESTRICTION for seal coating operations from Missouri Route 11 to Route BB between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route BB – August 22, LANE RESTRICTION for seal coating operations from Route FF to Missouri Route 149 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Audrain County

Route D – August 21, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route HH to CR 975 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route D – August 22, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route M to CR 948 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route D – August 23, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 917 to CR 919 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – August 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route ZZ to Cline Road in Boone County between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Clark County

Route P – August 21, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Iowa State line to Route K at Clark County line between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Route K – August 21 - 22, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Iowa State line to U.S. Route 136 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Lewis County

Route P – August 14 – 17 & August 21 - 24, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from 310 Avenue to Route C between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route C – August 21 – 22, CLOSED for bridge maintenance operations on bridge over U.S. Route 61 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Macon County

Route F – August 22, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Missouri Route 149 to Route J between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County

Missouri Route 19 (Northbound & Southbound) – August 14 – 18, LANE RESTRICTION for seal coating operations from Route B to U.S. Route 54 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.

Pike County

Business Route 161 – August 17, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Business Route 61 to end of state maintenance between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route U – August 23, CLOSED for patching operations from U.S. Route 54 to U.S. Route 61 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Ralls County

Missouri Route 19 – August 14 - 17, LANE RESTRICTION on bridge over U.S. 61 starting just before to immediately after the bridge for bridge maintenance operations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Route P – August 14 – 17, CLOSED for patching operations from Missouri Route 154 to Route K between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route P – August 21 - 23, CLOSED for patching operations from Route K to Missouri Route 19 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Route P – August 24, CLOSED for seal coating operations from U.S. Route 54 to Missouri Route 154 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Randolph County

U.S. Route 63 (Southbound) – August 23, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from CR 2655 to ¼ mile south of bridge between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 14-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 63 (Northbound) – August 24, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance from ½ mile north of Route M to ¼ mile north of bridge between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. A 14-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

U.S. Route 24 – August 25, LANE RESTRICTION on the bridge over Muncas Creek starting just before to immediately after bridge for bridge maintenance operations between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Route M – August 21 - 24, LANE RESTRICTION on the bridge over U.S. Route 63 starting ½ mile before and after bridge for bridge maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Scotland County

Route P – August 21, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Iowa State line to Route K at Clark County line between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Beaufort man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 1:30am Monday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 60 year old David Hoerr was on US 50 and traveling too fast for conditions during a heavy rain storm when he claimed another vehicle swerved to avoid a deer and crossed the center of the roadway causing him to swerve and then his car traveled off the right side of the roadway into a ditch and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK

24 year old Elijah Mayfield of Fulton was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Callaway County.  State troopers stated that he was on Route H when his car ran off the right side of the road, struck several trees before catching on fire.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.  The wreck happened at 7pm Saturday.

 

MAN HURT IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

A Hannibal man was hurt in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon in Ralls County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:30pm as 35 year old Nicholis Tischer was riding his motorcycle on Route O when he lost control and it overturned.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 11, 2023

 

TEEN HURT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY WRECK

A Belton teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday morning in Montgomery County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6:50am as 18 year old Serena Bays was westbound on I-70 when her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, she overcorrected, ran off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.  She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.

 

FIVE INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT  

Five men from Hannibal were injured in an accident that occurred at 7:35pm Wednesday in Marion County.  The patrol says that a truck driven by 18 year old Ace Sims was on Veterans Road when he failed to yield and was struck by a truck driven by 36 year old Joseph Elzea and then Sims’s truck struck a car driven by 61 year old Deborah Kalousek of Piney Flatts, TN and the debris from the crash struck another car.  Elzea sustained moderate injuries, while three passengers’ in his truck and Sims suffered minor injuries.  All five were taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment.    

 

MSHP: IT’S TIME FOR SCHOOL

August has arrived and with it the 2023-2024 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to encourage parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their student for school. It’s also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as students begin another year of instruction. In 2022, two people were killed and 361 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. In Missouri last year, a total of 884 traffic crashes involved school buses.

Troopers hope everyone will review these safety tips:

Motorists

Always be vigilant, but especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. Expect pedestrian and bicycle traffic to increase near schools on days where the weather is good. When schools are in session, drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses, parents taking their children to school, and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination.

Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway.

Students

If you’re walking to school, stay alert! Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Use sidewalks when they are available. If it is necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never dash into the street after a friend or to retrieve something.

Riding a bicycle to school is a fun way to travel. If you’re riding your bike, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe and use the proper hand signals when you plan to change directions, slow, or stop. Never carry passengers. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. It’s important to maintain your bicycle in good condition.

If you ride a school bus, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk. Use the handrail when getting on or off the bus. Never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus and walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street. Sit quietly on the bus and keep the aisle clear. If anything goes wrong, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver.

Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) occur between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. It's also against the law for this age group.

Parents

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.

Please talk to your children about the Courage2ReportMO program, which provides a safe and confidential way to report any concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others. These concerns may include: assault, bullying/repeated harassment, cyber bullying, fighting, guns, homicide, human trafficking, knife, planned school attack, imminent school shooting, school shooting threat, sexual offense, suicide-other person (3rd party), or a terrorism threat (extremism). Those reporting their concerns may remain anonymous. C2R provides a “sooner is safer” tool to report real time concerns 24 hours a day. There are several ways concerned persons may submit a C2R report:

through an Apple or Google Play Courage2Report mobile app,

by making an online report via http://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Courage2ReportMO/index.html,

by speaking confidentially to a trained professional at 866-748-7047, or

by texting "C2R" to 738477.


C2R Missouri calls and tips (web, text, and mobile app) are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained communications professionals. C2R Missouri requests a disposition report be returned on each tip report, notifying the Missouri State Highway Patrol of the outcome. For more information about C2R Missouri awareness and education resources, call the C2R Missouri Administrative Office at 866-362-6422.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 10, 2023

 

TWO HURT IN PIKE COUNTY CRASH

Two people from Bowling Green were hurt in a motorcycle crash that occurred at 4pm Tuesday in Pike County.  The patrol says that 54 year old Jay Taylor and his passenger 54 year old Kayla Taylor were on Highway NN when their motorcycle traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the ground and overturned, ejecting both from the motorcycle.  They were taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.

 

ONE KILLED, ANOTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A man was killed while another man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 8:30pm Tuesday in Linn County.  The highway patrol said that 81 year old Girard Feltman of Middletown was southbound from Highway 5, crossing US 36 when his truck  pulled into the path of an eastbound car driven by 67 year old Johnny Edwards of Brookfield and they collided.  Feltman was pronounced dead at the scene while Edwards was air-lifted by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK

36 year old Michael Flowers of Anabel was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Shelby County.  MSHP stated that he was on Highway 151 when he lost control of his car and it ran off the left side of the road and overturned.  He refused treatment at the scene for minor injuries.  The wreck happened at 7:55pm Tuesday.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY EVENING INCIDENT

A Spickard man was seriously injured in a Tuesday evening incident in Grundy County.  State troopers report that it happened at 9pm as 56 year old Richard Tharp was on Route B when an animal entered the roadway and his motorcycle struck the animal and ejected him from it.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 9, 2023

 

WOMAN INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING CRASH

33 year old Jesse Sims of Pacific was injured in a Monday morning crash in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it occurred just before 10am as she was on Route N and driving too fast for the wet road conditions when her car traveled off the right side of the roadway, she overcorrected, causing it to return to the road and then skidded off the left side and the undercarriage of the car struck the ground which caused it to rotate and collide with a tree with its right side and rear.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries. 

 

DRIVER HURT IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING WRECK 

A driver was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Callaway County.  State troopers stated that 42 year old Timothy Durbin of New Bloomfield was on Route Y when he swerved to avoid an unknown vehicle which in turn caused his car to run off the right side of the road and strike a tree.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.  The wreck happened at around 5:30am Tuesday. 

 

MAN INJURED IN SCOTLAND COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Memphis man was injured in an accident that occurred at 3:40pm Monday in Scotland County.  The patrol says that 89 year old Jackie Goosey was on MO 15 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his car to travel off the left side of the roadway and hit a utility pole.  He was transported by ambulance to Scotland County Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. 

 

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INSURANCE PARTICIPATING IN RESOURCE CENTER TO ASSIST RESIDENTS AFTER SEVERE STORMS

Consumer specialists from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) will be on-site at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Knox County to answer insurance questions and assist residents impacted by tornadoes and severe storms on August 4.

DCI’s consumer specialists assist residents with understanding their insurance policies, including the process of filing a claim, and provide insurance company contact information. The specialists will be at the Knox County Community Center at 207 Fourth St. in Edina from noon to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

For any insurance questions, Missouri consumers can also call DCI’s Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390, or visit insurance.mo.gov/consumers. Individuals with unmet needs should contact United Way 211. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or visit 211helps.org.

For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 8, 2023

 

THREE INJURED, TWO SERIOUSLY IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT

Three people were injured, two seriously in an accident that occurred at 2:05pm Saturday in Boone County.  The patrol says that two motorcycles were on US 63 and traveling directly behind one another when one of them operated by 58 year old Ricky Hensley of Warsaw slowed in preparation to make a turn when the other motorcycle ridden by 59 year old Curtis Hart of Columbia failed to observe the other motorcycle change in speed, Hart swerved in an attempt to avoid striking it, but struck Hensley’s  motorcycle on the right side and after impact both were ejected along with a passenger on Hart’s bike 41 year old Ahlea Rogers of Warsaw.  Both men sustained serious injuries while the woman suffered minor injuries.  All three were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

BOY KILLED IN ATV CRASH

A 10 year old boy from Eolia was killed in an ATV crash Friday morning in Pike County.  MSHP stated that it happened at 8:30am as the boy was riding his ATV on Pike County Road 301 and making a right hand turn when it began to skid, ran off the roadway, struck a fence and overturned, ejecting him and his passenger a 10 year old boy also from Eolia.  The boy who operated the ATV was taken to Pike County Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later, while the other boy was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.

 

TEEN HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK

19 year old Dominic Ruzicka of Robertsville was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said he was on Finney Road when his truck crossed the centerline, traveled off the left side of the road and struck a fence.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.  The wreck occurred at 12:30am Saturday.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

The Mexico Public Safety Department has become aware of an increase in scams of area residents lately.  Residents are reminded that:

  • No company that you do business with will call you and then need your identification information.
  • Think about calling a company back or emailing the company back using numbers or email addresses you have, not ones they give you.
  • It is common to try and create panic by saying you have been hacked or you will be charged with something.  That is so you take less time to consider what is going on.
  • No legitimate company will require you to pay them with cash cards
  • No legitimate person will give you money to use your bank accounts to cash their checks

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 7, 2023

 

MISSOURI ROUTE 19 TEMPORARY CLOSURE BEGAN ON SUNDAY

On Sunday August 6 at 6pm, Missouri Route 19 closed for a period of up to 7 days in order to complete the tie-in work at the south roundabout and remaining work in Stage 3 of construction.  The closure will be located just south of Tree Farm Road, extending south for 800 ft.  This closure is necessary in order to safely complete work at this location due to steep slopes and the existing curve. 

During this time, message boards will be in place to alert motorists as changes occur and traffic will be routed over the following detours:

Highway 100 from Herman to Highway 47 in Washington and back to I-70 at Warrenton.

Highway 94 from McKittrick to Highway 54 near Jefferson City and back to I-70 at Kingdom City.

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI AUG. 7 TO AUG. 18

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

Audrain County

Route Y – August 7, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Route M to Route NN between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route D – August 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route HH to CR 975 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route D – August 9, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route M to CR 948 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route D – August 10, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 917 to CR 919 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – August 14, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Route ZZ in Boone County to Boone/Audrain County line between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route FF – August 15, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from CR 989 to Boone County line between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Clark County

Route W – August 9 – 10 and August 14 - 15, CLOSED for asphalt pavement repairs from Route D to Route A between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Lewis County

Route N – August 7 - 8, CLOSED for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 6 to the Marion County line between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route E – August 7 - 8, CLOSED for bridge maintenance operations from Missouri Route 81 to Route F between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route C – August 9 – 10, CLOSED just before to immediately after the bridge over U.S. Route 61 for bridge maintenance operations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Lincoln County

Missouri Route 79 – August 7 - 10, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route B to Missouri Route 47 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Macon County

Route P – August 7, LANE RESTRICTION for asphalt pavement repairs from Chariton County line to Dynamo Place between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route F – August 8, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route J to Missouri Route 149 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route P – August 10, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Dynamo Place to Chariton County line between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – August 14 – 15, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations from one mile before the bridge to just after the end of the bridge over Middle Fork Salt River between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

U.S. Route 36 (Westbound) – August 14 – 15, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations from one mile before the bridge to just after the end of the bridge over Long Branch Lake Road between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.

Route M – August 14 – 15, LANE RESTRICTION for bridge maintenance operations from one-half mile before bridge to bridge end over U.S. Route 63 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily.

Marion County

Route K – August 7 – 9, CLOSED for patching operations from U.S. Route 36 to Route C between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.

Monroe County

Route J – August 7, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from Missouri Route 151 to Route OO between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route M – August 8, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from CR 1059 to CR 1039 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route AA – August 9, CLOSED for bridge maintenance from CR 835 to CR 857 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County

Missouri Route 19 – August 14 - 18, LANE RESTRICTION for seal coating operations from Route B to U.S. Route 54 at Scotts Corner between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Pike County

Route M – August 8, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Missouri Route 161 to Route Y between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Route V – August 9 - 10, CLOSED for patching operations from Route W to Route M between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on August 9 and 7:00 a.m. and noon on August 10.

U.S. Route 61 (Southbound) – August 7, LANE RESTRICTION for environmental clean up from Route HH to approximately 1000 feet south on U.S. Route 61 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Route V – August 15, CLOSED for seal coating operations from Route W to Route M between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Ralls County

Missouri Route 19 – August 7 - 10, LANE RESTRICTION on the bridge over U.S. Route 61 starting just before to immediately after the bridge for bridge maintenance operations between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working with signals utilized to direct traffic through the work zone.

 

GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ACTIVATING STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN IN RESPONSE TO SEVERE WEATHER

On Saturday, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 23-08, activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan in response to severe weather and flooding that has been impacting the state beginning on July 29.

On Friday August 4, tornadoes struck in Ray (EF-0), Saline (EF-0), and Knox (EF-2) counties. The Knox County tornado and strong winds destroyed or did major damage to at least 35 residences and displaced at least 16 people in the Baring area. Two minor injuries were reported there. There was also substantial flooding overnight in the Kirksville area.  

Executive Order 23-08 will expire on September 5, 2023, unless otherwise terminated or extended. 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 4, 2023

 

THREE WOMEN INJURED IN GASCONADE COUNTY ACCIDENT

Three women were injured in an accident that occurred at 12:15pm Wednesday in Gasconade County.  The patrol says that 55 year old Cynthia Dunning of Rhineland was on MO 100 when her car crossed the centerline and struck a truck driven by 34 year old Robyn Boudreaux of Tebbetts nearly head-on.  Both drivers and a passenger in Dunning’s car 78 year old Ruth Knisley of Rhineland were taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK

44 year old Alan Sanderson of Holden was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Lafayette County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 10:10pm as he was on MO 131 when he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his car to travel off the east side of the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned.  He sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Centerpoint Hospital for treatment.

 

DRIVER HURT IN WEDNESDAY EVENING CRASH

A driver was hurt in a Wednesday evening crash in Knox County.  State troopers stated that 52 year old Anthony Marble of Edina was on MO 15 when his truck ran off the left side of the road and struck a fence.  He was transported by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of minor injuries.  The crash occurred at 5:30pm Wednesday.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 3, 2023

 

FOUR INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Four people were injured, one seriously in a chain-reaction accident that occurred at 11:20am Tuesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says it all started as 28 year old Chelsey Strothcamp of St. Clair was southbound on Highway 47 when she became distracted, causing her car to cross the centerline and struck a jeep driven by a 16 year old boy from St. Clair and then the jeep traveled off the right side of the roadway, meanwhile her car struck the rear of a car driven by 35 year old Sarah Fischer of Washington which was northbound on Highway 47.  The 16 year old boy sustained serious injuries, while his passenger 70 year old Gail Roller of Bourbon suffered minor injuries.  Both Strothcamp and her passenger 63 year old Gary Bucher of St. Clair suffered minor injuries.  All four were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.

 

TWO HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK

Two females were hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Wednesday morning in Lafayette County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 2:05am as 32 year old Cierra Baker of Florissant was eastbound on I-70 when her car ran off the right side of the road and struck an embankment.  Both Baker and her passenger a 13 year old girl from St. Louis were taken to Centerpoint Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPERS CAN SAVE MORE THIS YEAR DURING MISSOURI’S ANNUAL SALES TAX HOLIDAY

Missouri’s annual back-to-school sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 4 and runs through midnight on Sunday, Aug. 6.  During this time, certain back-to-school purchases such as school supplies, computers, clothing and other qualifying items as defined by statute are exempt from all state and local sales tax.

 

During the sales tax holiday, state and local sales tax will not be charged on the following items:

 

Clothing that does not have a taxable value of more than $100. Eligible clothing items include any article of apparel intended to be worn on or about the body, including footwear and disposable diapers for infants or adults. Cloth and other material used to make school uniforms or other school clothing are also included. Not included are watches, watchbands, jewelry, handbags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, scarves, ties, headbands, or belt buckles;

 

School supplies, not exceeding $50 per purchase, that are used in a standard classroom for educational purposes. School supplies include, but are not limited to, textbooks, notebooks, paper, writing instruments, crayons, art supplies, rulers, book bags, backpacks, chalk, maps, globes, handheld calculators, graphing calculators that do not have a taxable value of more than $150, and computer software that does not have a taxable value of more than $350. Not included are watches, radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures; and

 

Personal computers that do not cost more than $1,500 and computer peripheral devices that do not cost more than $1,500. A personal computer can be a laptop, desktop, or tower computer system which consists of a central processing unit, random access memory, a storage drive, a display monitor, and a keyboard. Peripheral devices include items such as a disk drive, memory module, compact disk drive, daughterboard, digitizer, microphone, modem, motherboard, mouse, multimedia speaker, printer, scanner, single-user hardware, single-user operating system, soundcard, or video card.

 

Anyone who makes a qualified purchase may participate in the holiday. You do not have to be a Missouri resident or student to participate and save.

 

New this year, in addition to the state sales tax, local sales tax will also be waived in all cities, counties and special tax districts.

 

Therefore, Businesses with qualifying retail sales for the Back to School sales tax holiday may use the normal filing method for their August 2023 return. Enter total gross receipts for all sales made, indicating holiday sales as a negative adjustment on the return. You will no longer need to file these sales using a separate item code. For more information visit https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/business/tax-types/sales-use/holidays/back-to-school/.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 2, 2023

 

BLOOD DRIVE SET FOR THURSDAY IN HERMANN

The American Red Cross is teaming up with the Hermann community to host a blood drive in memory of Sergeant Mason Griffith and in honor of Officer Adam Sullentrup on Thursday August 3 from 12pm to 6pm at St. George High School Gymnasium at 133 W. 4th St. Hermann, MO 65041.  Sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Hermann.

Hermann Police Department Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith passed away from his injuries following a shooting on the night of Sunday, March 12, 2023. He had been with the department since September 2017 and also served as Chief of Police for the Rosebud Police Department.

Hermann Police Officer Adam Sullentrup sustained injuries from the same shooting as Griffith and is currently recovering from his injuries at the Craig Rehabilitation Hospital in Englewood, Colorado.

 

MO RAILROAD SAFETY CROSSING PLAN UNVEILED ONE YEAR AFTER MENDON CRASH

The Missouri Department of Transportation, along with Gov. Parson will announce the new Missouri Railroad Safety Crossing Plan at a news conference set for 11am Thursday, Aug. 3.  Gov. Mike Parson’s signing of House Bill 4 includes an historic $50 million General Revenue investment.  In response to the June 2022 AMTRAK crash near Mendon, Mo., the state’s plan focuses on improvements at the 47 passive public rail crossings on Missouri’s three rail lines that carry passenger rail.

 

MISSOURI ROUTE 19 TEMPORARY CLOSURE SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY

Weather permitting, Sunday August 6, at 7am, Missouri Route 19 will close for a period of up to 7 days in order to complete the tie-in work at the south roundabout.  The closure will be located just south of Tree Farm Road, extending south for 800 ft.  This closure is necessary in order to safely complete work at this location due to steep slopes and the existing curve.  During this time, traffic will be routed over a detour on Missouri Route 100 East to Missouri Route 47 or Missouri Route 94 West to U.S. Route 54.  Message boards will be in place to alert motorists as changes occur.

In the last two weeks, contractor crews and the Missouri Department of Transportation began work on stage 3 of the bridge replacement and interchange improvement project located at Interstate 70 and Missouri 19 at New Florence in Montgomery County. This included the closure of the I-70 eastbound off-ramp to Missouri Route 19.  Traffic will utilize the temporary eastbound off-ramp onto the new portion of Tree Farm Road to provide access to Missouri Route 19.  Traffic on the new portion of Tree Farm Road will be one-way only ramp traffic at this time, as the south outer road, west of Missouri Route 19, will remain closed until later this fall. Traffic needing to access this route will need to detour to the Missouri Route 161 interchange at Danville.

In addition, the westbound on-ramp to I-70 is closed with traffic being detoured north to the new Clark Drive and onto Booneslick Road, west to Danville, to access westbound Interstate 70 at the Missouri Route 161 interchange.

Drivers can expect to experience the following traffic impacts when traveling in this area:

North Outer Road of I-70/Booneslick Road, west of MO 19 will remain closed from 19 to the FastLane entrance.  Access to the FastLane entrance and west are open and accessible from the new Clark Drive.

The I-70 SOR, west of MO 19 is currently closed and will remain closed over the next several months until the south roundabout is complete. 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

August 1, 2023

 

WOMAN HURT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at 4:05am Sunday in Montgomery County.  The patrol says that 31 year old Leticia Cruz of O’Fallon, IL was a passenger in a car driven by 25 year old Jose Reyes Cuevas of O’Fallon, IL.  They were eastbound on I-70 when their car struck the rear of a car driven by 51 year old Viguilinn Dublon Chang of Stone Mountain, GA.  Cruz was transported by ambulance to SSM Health St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING CRASH

A motorcyclist was injured in an early Sunday morning crash in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 3:20am as 22 year old Mariah Staggs of Union was on North Bend Road when she failed to negotiate a curve and her motorcycle overturned and slid off the roadway.  She sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.

 

WOMAN AND BABY GIRL INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT WRECK

A woman and a baby girl both from Fayette were injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday night in Callaway County.  State troopers stated that 25 year old Haley Robertson was on Route B when her car traveled off the left side of the road, struck two embankments and a fence.  Both Robertson and her passenger a 1 year old girl were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.  The wreck occurred at 7:20pm Sunday.

 

TROY LICENSE OFFICE TRANSISTIONS TO A NEW CONTRACTOR

The Missouri Department of Revenue has announced that the Troy License Office has transitioned to a new contractor and will remain at the current location of 850 E. Cherry St., Ste. D, Troy, Mo., 63379.  The first day of business for the new contractor will be Tuesday.  The business hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the telephone number is 636-622-7090.

License offices are operated by independent contractors but overseen by the Missouri Department of Revenue.  All license office contracts in Missouri are awarded through a competitive bid process.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 31, 2023

 

SUSPECT IN MONROE COUNTY HOMICIDE ARRESTED

On Friday July 28, investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of a rural Monroe County pond, in connection with the investigation into the 2021 disappearance of Betty L. Hayes, of Holliday, Missouri.  On Friday afternoon, members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Dive Team recovered human remains from the pond.  An autopsy of the remains will be performed at a later date.
Later on Friday night investigators arrested 65 year old Lyle W. Miller of Madison, Missouri, for the murder of Hayes.  The Monroe County Prosecutor has formally charged Miller with second degree murder and he is being held without bond. 

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Monday, July 24 at approximately 3:08pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the US Highway 54 bypass, about 1 mile north of the S Clark exit, in reference to a crash.  Responding personnel found that 81 year old Carol Whelpley of Camdenton was traveling south in the 54 westbound lane when she drifted over the centerline and side swiped a tractor-trailer unit being driven in the 54 eastbound lane by 43 year old James Clinkenbeard of Glenwood, MO.  Whelpley was treated for minor injuries on the scene but was not transported.  Both vehicles were towed from the area.

 

CHARITON COUNTY BRIDGE NOW OPEN AFTER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

The Chariton County Route D Bridge over East Fork of Bee Branch, located 0.5 miles west of Route 129, is now open.  The bridge was replaced as part of the FARM (Fixing Access to Rural Missouri) Bridge Program.  The bridge closed April 2023 and reopen to all traffic on Wednesday evening, July 26.

Also on Route D, the Clark Branch Bridge, located approximately 1 mile east of Missouri Route 5, is still closed for replacement through the FARM Bridge Program.  This bridge is anticipated to remain closed through early October 2023.

“We have 31 weight-restricted, poor condition bridges in northern Missouri to replace under this federally-funded program,” stated Missouri Department of Transportation Project Director Jeff Gander.  Lehman-Wilson was awarded the design-build contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at its meeting in May 2022 to replace the bridges.

“The MoDOT team has worked closely with the contractor to develop plans for these improvements, and by October 2023, all 31 bridges will be replaced,” Gander noted.

 

MOBERLY POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

The following incidents/arrests were investigated by the Moberly Police Department between the hours of 7am on 07/24/2023 and 7am 07/26/2023.

 

On July 25, 2023, a Moberly Officer contacted 40-year-old Daniel Reardon in the 1000 block of S. Williams St. Reardon was placed under arrest for an active Boone County traffic warrant. Reardon was transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

On July 25, 2023, Moberly Officers responded to the 500 block of S. Clark St in reference to a domestic assault. Officers learned that a rolling domestic occurred in a vehicle which started in Macon County and ended in Moberly. The female victim sustained moderate injuries and was transported to the hospital. A 31-year-old male was located in Moberly and placed under arrest for 2nd degree domestic assault and kidnapping. The man was transported to the Randolph County Jail.

 

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 28, 2023

 

WOMEN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two women were hurt in an accident that occurred at 2:45pm Wednesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 62 year old Barbara Heider of Bourdon was stopped yielding to eastbound traffic in the westbound Missouri 100 left turn lane to the Burger King parking lot while 29 year old Stephan Dalling of St. Clair was traveling eastbound on Missouri 100 in the westbound left turn lane to the Burger King parking lot as he thought he was in the correct lane to make a left turn at the intersection of Missouri 100 at Route AT when he slowed down but was unable to stop in time and his vehicle struck Heider’s vehicle.  Both Heider and her passenger 29 year old Olivia Zimmer of St. Louis were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MAN HURT IN EARLY THURSDAY MORNING INCIDENT

A man was hurt in an early Thursday morning incident in Callaway County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 2:15am as 49 year old Vincent Fields of Carthage, TX was westbound on I-70 when he became distracted and failed to observe a freightliner driven by 24 year old Brayton Tucker of St. Louis who was working an active construction zone and Field’s freightliner struck Tucker’s freightliner.  Tucker suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

THREE TEENS INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH

Three teenage girls from Bunceton were injured in a Wednesday morning crash in Moniteau County.  State troopers stated that the girls ranging from 16 to 17 year old were on US 50 and stopped in traffic when their car was struck in the rear by a car driven by a 16 year old boy from Jamestown.  All three girls were taken to Boone Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  The crash occurred at around 11:45am Wednesday.

 

ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT ON PATROL

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has announced an assessor from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., will arrive on August 7, 2023, to examine all aspects of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. Verification by the assessor that the Missouri State Highway Patrol meets the Commission's stringent standards is a vital part of a voluntary process to maintain accreditation — an esteemed recognition of law enforcement professionalism and excellence.

As part of the on-site assessment, the Missouri State Highway Patrol seeks feedback regarding its services and performance. The public is invited to visit the Patrol's website
www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov to register a comment. On the Patrol's website, choose the Show-Me Accountability Portal to access a link located under the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. icon. The link provides a comment form for feedback regarding the CALEA standards. The public may also access the CALEA comment portal via this link https://cimrs2.calea.org/98 or through the Patrol's social media accounts.

Persons wishing to offer written comments about the ability of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 160, Gainsville, VA 20155.

The assessor will report back to the Commission after completing their review of the agency. The Commission will then decide whether the Missouri State Highway Patrol is to be granted continued accredited status. Accreditation is for four years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which they were initially accredited. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has been accredited since 1992.

For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc., inquiries may be addressed to the Commission at 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 160, Gainsville, VA 20155, by telephone at (703) 352-4225, or by visiting their website at
www.calea.org.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 27, 2023

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Huntsville man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 1:30pm Tuesday in Randolph County.  The patrol says that 46 year old Joseph Black was on Route C when his truck traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned, ejecting him from it.  Black was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER INJURED IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

A driver was injured in a Tuesday afternoon crash in Marion County.  MSHP stated that 87 year old Chester Moss of Hunnewell was on US 36 when his car was struck in the rear by a freightliner driven by 58 year old Douglas Sopha of Canada.  Moss was transported by ambulance to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.  The crash occurred at 12:25pm Tuesday.

 

WOMAN HURT IN EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING WRECK

61 year old Lesia Totsch of Ewing was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Wednesday morning in Lewis County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:50am as she was on Route Z when she attempted to avoid a deer in the road, causing her jeep to travel off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch.  She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL for treatment.

   

Veterans from across Missouri to attend 70th Anniversary Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at Capitol

Veterans across Missouri will attend the 70th Anniversary Korean War Veterans Armistice Day event at the Missouri State Capitol starting at 10am on Thursday. The event is hosted by the Missouri Veterans Commission and will include a keynote address by Missouri National Guard, Deputy Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Charles D. Hausman and Missouri Veterans Commission Executive Director COL (Ret.) Paul Kirchhoff.  After the event, the Commission will be hosting a resource fair and a will clinic. The will clinic is an opportunity for Veterans and their spouses to visit with a lawyer to prepare testamentary documents at no expense to the individuals.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

July 26, 2023

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOONE COUNTY ACCIDENT  

A Hallsville man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 7:40pm Monday in Boone County.  The patrol says that 60 year old John Reinkemeyer was on US 63 when he lost control of his truck, causing it to travel thru the median and overturned onto a southbound lane of US 63.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

71 year old Terry Bockenfeld of Quincy, IL was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in Scotland County.  State troopers stated that he was on Route W when his tractor trailer ran off the right side of the road and overturned.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Scotland County Hospital in Memphis for treatment.  The wreck happened at around 1:45pm Monday.

 

WOMEN HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING CRASH

Two women were hurt in a Tuesday morning crash in Macon County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 11:15am as 64 year old Tonya Ausmus of Macon was on State Highway C at eastbound US 36 off ramp in Bevier when her vehicle struck the rear of a vehicle driven by 60 year old Julie Bader of Bevier.  Both were transported by ambulance to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MISSOURI DCI ANNOUNCES REBRAND OF STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) has rebranded Missouri’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program to Missouri SHIP, formerly known as Missouri CLAIM.

Missouri SHIP offers free assistance to Missourians eligible for Medicare and their caregivers to help consumers choose a plan that best meets their needs. The program also helps Missourians on a limited income determine whether they qualify for a Low-Income Subsidy and/or Medicare Savings Programs to offset the cost of their prescription drugs.

Missourians can seek free and unbiased assistance from Missouri SHIP throughout the year by phone or arrange one-on-one counseling by calling 1-800-390-3330, or visiting missouriship.org.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 25, 2023

 

SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BEGIN IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Weather permitting, this week contractor crews will start work on three sidewalk improvement projects in Montgomery County, located on Missouri Route 19 and Missouri Route 161 in Montgomery City, Missouri Route 161 in Middletown and Route CC and Route ZZ in Wellsville.

This contract also includes sidewalk improvement projects in Warren County located on Route J in Wright City, Interstate 70 North Outer Road in Wright City and on Missouri Route 47 in Warrenton.  This project is scheduled to begin in early October with all work scheduled to be completed by July 2024.

Work on sidewalk improvements within Wright City and Warrenton will occur during nighttime hours and include minor traffic impacts on sidewalks and driveways.  This work is being completed as part of MoDOT’s initiative for compliance with the current standards of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).

 

SEMI TRUCK DRIVER HURT IN SUNDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

A semi truck driver was hurt in a Sunday afternoon crash in Pike County.  State troopers stated that 73 year old Nina Brown of Pueblo, CO was on US 61 when her freightliner went off the right side of the road, struck a sign and jack knifed returning to the roadway.  She suffered minor injuries and was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph in Lake St. Louis for treatment.  The crash happened at 4:50pm Sunday.

 

MAN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING MISHAP

A Kirksville man was injured in a Sunday morning mishap in Adair County.  The highway patrol said it happened just before 9am as 29 year old Lukus House was riding his motorcycle on MO 11 when he slowed down to make a turn and was struck by a truck driven by 18 year old Wyatt Bell of Kirksville.  House was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of moderate injuries.  

 

WOMAN KILLED IN GRUNDY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Trenton woman was killed in an accident that occurred at around 12:45pm Sunday in Grundy County.  The patrol says that 66 year old James Havens of Trenton was stopped at a traffic light on MO 6 when his truck was struck in the rear by a car driven by 77 year old Twyila Whitney.  She was taken to Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton where she died a short time later from her injuries.  Meanwhile he was also taken to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 24, 2023

 

WOMAN INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A St. Louis woman was injured in an accident that occurred at 4:30pm Saturday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 56 year old Deborah Rosenhoffer was on 6067 Dry Branch Road when her car crossed the center line, ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MAN HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK

A man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 2:15am as 48 year old Joseph Norwick of Monroe, TN was on Route AT when he swerved to avoid a deer, lost control and his truck traveled off the left side of the road and overturned.  He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.

 

DRIVER KILLED IN PIKE COUNTY CRASH

38 year old Nicholas Twilla of Louisiana was killed in a crash last Thursday night in Pike County.  MSHP stated that he was on Highway 79 when his car went off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.  The crash happened just before 8pm on Thursday.

 

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ADAIR COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Queen City woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:35am Saturday in Adair County.  The patrol says that 21 year old Elaina Smith was on Highway 149 when her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck two fences and overturned coming to rest on its top.  She was transported by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville with serious injuries.

 

LINN COUNTY BRIDGE NOW OPEN AFTER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

The Linn County Route C bridge over West Yellow Creek, located approximately 1 mile west of Missouri Route 111 is now open. The bridge was replaced as part of the FARM (Fixing Access to Rural Missouri) Bridge Program. The bridge closed in April 2023 and was reopened to all traffic on Wednesday July 19.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 21, 2023

 

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Villa Ridge teen was seriously injured in an accident that occurred after 10pm Wednesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that a scooter ridden by 18 year old Donavan Snyder and also a SUV driven by 57 year old Reva Friedmann of Pacific were eastbound on Highway 100 when the scooter turned in front of the SUV and was then struck by the SUV.  Snyder was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. 

 

MAN INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT WRECK

76 year old David Coleman of House Springs was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday night in Marion County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5pm as he was on Route E when he suffered a medical event, causing his truck to travel off the road and struck a tree.  He was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A Wayland man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash Wednesday morning in Clark County.  State troopers stated that 39 year old Kent Ash was on US 61 when his motorcycle ran off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and became airborne, partially ejecting him from it.  He was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL with serious injuries.  The crash occurred at 9:35am Wednesday.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 20, 2023

 

WOMAN HURT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK

A Rolla woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 7:45am Wednesday in Franklin County.  The patrol says that 35 year old Erin Ellisbyrd was eastbound on I-44 when her car hydroplaned and slid into the center median striking the cable barrier.  She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries. 

 

DRIVER INJURED IN WEDNESDAY MORNING CRASH

43 year old Sarah Frederick of St. Clair was injured in a Wednesday morning crash in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened after 8am as she was eastbound on I-44 and traveling too fast for conditions when her car ran off the road and struck a concrete median barrier.  She sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment.

 

TWO MEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two men were seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 9:10pm Tuesday in Linn County.  The patrol says that 75 year old Larry Buswell of Lathrop was on US 36 when a truck driven by 63 year old Randy Schneider of Chillicothe pulled into the path of his truck and they collided and then they came to rest in the median.  Buswell was taken to Truman Hospital in Kansas City with serious injuries while Schneider was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.    

 

THREE HURT IN TUESDAY MORNING INCIDENT

Three people from Slater were hurt in a Tuesday morning incident in Saline County.  State troopers stated that 47 year old Eugene Fizer was on Highway 240 when his car crossed the center line and struck a car driven by 36 year old Amanda Pycke.  Fizer was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, while Pycke and her passenger a 10 year old boy were taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.  The incident happened at 8am Tuesday.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 19, 2023

 

RAMP CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR I-70 AND MO 19 INTERCHANGE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Weather permitting, as early as the week of July 19, contractor crews and the Missouri Department of Transportation will start work on stage 3 of the bridge replacement and interchange improvement project located at Interstate 70 and Missouri 19 at New Florence in Montgomery County. This will include the closure of the I-70 eastbound off-ramp to Missouri Route 19.  Traffic will utilize the temporary eastbound off-ramp onto the new portion of Tree Farm Road to provide access to Missouri Route 19.  Traffic on the new portion of Tree Farm Road will be one-way only ramp traffic at this time, as the south outer road, west of Missouri Route 19, will remain closed until later this fall. Traffic needing to access this route will need to detour to the Missouri Route 161 interchange at Danville.

In addition, the westbound on-ramp to I-70 will be closed with traffic being detoured north to the new Clark Drive and onto Booneslick Road, west to Danville, to access westbound Interstate 70 at the Missouri Route 161 interchange.

 

MISSOURI SALES AND USE TAX LOOKUP

The Missouri Department of Revenue has released a newly enhanced version of sales and use tax rate lookup map. The Missouri Sales and Use Tax Lookup is a Google based map that provides some features that the prior map displayed but offers new features as well. This lookup tool is intended to provide customers with up to date tax rates and boundaries for addresses throughout the state of Missouri.

 

Features include:

  • Tax rates for January 1, 2023 through current. This also allows the ability for the customer to research a prior tax rate imposed back to January 2023.
  • Boundaries for cities, counties, districts and annexations throughout Missouri.  After entering an address, click on the empty box next to the interested jurisdiction.
  • The jurisdiction code for the address you are searching in the lookup tool. Jurisdiction codes are used by businesses when filing a sales or use tax return with the department.
  • Multiple tax types and special item taxes displayed. The prior map displayed the sales and use tax rates. Now you can see the tax rates that apply to special item taxes.
    1. Sales Tax
    2. Use Tax
    3. Food Tax
    4. Branson Food/Drink (Displays only for applicable jurisdictions)
    5. Branson Tourism District Hotel Exemption (Displays only for applicable jurisdictions)
    6. Lamar Heights Food (Displays only for applicable jurisdictions)
    7. Motor Vehicle Titling Tax – Missouri Dealer
    8. Motor Vehicle Titling Tax – Non-Missouri Dealer
    9. Adult Use Marijuana
    10. Battery Manufacturing
    11. Domestic Utilities
    12. Text Book

 

·         Ability to export the tax rate printout for the searched address.

      Links to the Taxability Matrices that outlines the taxability of products and services based on Missouri law is available in the Overview section.

      Allows customers to send questions to the Department via email.

 

GOVERNOR PARSON APPOINTS STATE SUPERVISOR FOR DIVISION OF ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO CONTROL

On Monday, Governor Mike Parson announced he has selected Michael Leara as the next State Supervisor for the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control within the Missouri Department of Public Safety. His appointment was effective Monday.

Mr. Leara, of St. Louis, has served as the Chairman of the Missouri Gaming Commission since August 2019. He has also owned and operated Gateway Advisors, LLC, in St. Louis since 1999. He has grown his business from a financial consulting firm offering public and private pension services to a now corporate and governmental retirement and pension plan consulting firm. Mr. Leara also served as a State Representative for the 96th District from 2009-2017. During his time as a State Representative, he served as Vice Chair on the Board of Trustees for the Missouri State Employee Retirement System. Mr. Leara attended Saint Louis University.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 18, 2023

 

THREE INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY WRECK

Three people were injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday evening in Pike County.  State troopers report that 18 year old Rayann Smith of Louisiana was on Route NN when she looked down at the speedometer, causing her car to travel off the right side of the roadway, struck a dirt embankment, a tree and overturned onto its top.  Smith was taken to Pike County Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, while one of her passengers’ 22 year old Kyjiah Clark of Elsberry was also taken to the same hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, meanwhile Smith’s other passenger 19 year old Luke Deak of Eolia was treated and released at the scene for minor injuries.  The wreck occurred at 5:25pm Saturday.

 

TEEN KILLED IN UTV ACCIDENT IN ADAIR COUNTY

A teenage girl was killed in a UTV accident that occurred at 9:15pm Sunday in Adair County.  The patrol says that a 15 year old girl from Eureka, KS was on Sugar Creek School Trail and driving downhill on a gravel road when she lost control and the UTV traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting her from it.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.   

 

TEEN HURT IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH

A Salisbury teen was hurt in a Sunday night crash in Chariton County.  The highway patrol said it happened at around 7:25pm as the 17 year old boy was on Highway HH when his truck ran off the left side of the road, struck a fence and overturned.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

FUTURE MISSOURI ROUTE 3 PROJECT UPDATE IN RANDOLPH COUNTY

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has been preparing for a road realignment project on Missouri Route 3 between U.S. Route 24 and Route BB in Randolph County

"We have worked through the right of way process with the project currently on schedule to go out for bid in the August letting.  Bids will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for action at the September 7 meeting," explained Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough.

The decision was made in 2021 to close the road when a significant slide caused unstable soil conditions in the area. HNTB has conducted the necessary environmental evaluation to determine a viable design solution.  This included a review of soil conditions, slopes of the quarry pits on either side of Route 3, and the excavated caves below this area.  The proposed work would involve shifting the road to the west by 15’-30’ and lowering it by 10’-15’ to ensure a favorable location. 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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July 17, 2023

 

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN LINCOLN COUNTY COLLISION

Two people were injured, one seriously in a collision that occurred at 11:55am Friday in Lincoln County.  The patrol says that 62 year old Terry Ammon of Foley was on Route C when his truck crossed the center line and struck a truck driven by 24 year old Ruben Lozano of Rio Grande City, TX head-on.  Ammon sustained serious injuries, while a passenger in Lozano’s truck 22 year old Alondra Diaz of Rio Grande City, TX suffered moderate injuries.  Both were taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis for treatment.  

 

MAN HURT IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK

A man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 9:40pm as 55 year old Andy Leak of St. Clair was on North Commercial Avenue when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY EVENING CRASH

A St. Clair driver was hurt in a Saturday evening crash in Franklin County.  MSHP stated that 49 year old Bobbie Campbell was on Route WW when his jeep ran off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to return to the roadway and then went off the left side of the road and overturned.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment.  The crash happened at 7:50pm Saturday.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

July 14, 2023

 

RAMP CLOSURES SCHEDULED FOR I-70 AND MO 19 INTERCHANGE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Weather permitting, as early as the week of July 19, contractor crews and the Missouri Department of Transportation will start work on stage 3 of the bridge replacement and interchange improvement project located at Interstate 70 and Missouri 19 at New Florence in Montgomery County. This will include the closure of the I-70 eastbound off-ramp to Missouri Route 19.  Traffic will utilize the temporary eastbound off-ramp onto the new portion of Tree Farm Road to provide access to Missouri Route 19.  Traffic on the new portion of Tree Farm Road will be one-way only ramp traffic at this time, as the south outer road, west of Missouri Route 19, will remain closed until later this fall. Traffic needing to access this route will need to detour to the Missouri Route 161 interchange at Danville.

In addition, the westbound on-ramp to I-70 will be closed with traffic being detoured north to the new Clark Drive and onto Booneslick Road, west to Danville, to access westbound Interstate 70 at the Missouri Route 161 interchange.

On August 6, at 7:00 a.m., Missouri Route 19 will close for a period of up to 7 days in order to complete the tie-in work at the south roundabout.  The closure will be located just south of Tree Farm Road, extending south for 800 ft.  This closure is necessary in order to safely complete work at this location due to steep slopes and the existing curve.  During this time, traffic will be routed over a detour on Missouri Route 100 East to Missouri Route 47 or Missouri Route 94 West to U.S. Route 54.  Message boards will be in place to alert motorists as changes occur.

Drivers will experience the following traffic impacts when traveling in this area:

North Outer Road of I-70/Booneslick Road, west of MO 19 will remain closed from 19 to the FastLane entrance.  Access to the FastLane entrance and west are open and accessible from the new Clark Drive.

The Love’s Travel Stop auto entrance will be partially closed to reconstruct the entrance the week of July 10 and is expected to reopen in two weeks.

The I-70 SOR, west of MO 19 is currently closed and will remain closed over the next several months until the south roundabout is complete. 

MoDOT ask that motorists please be attentive in work zones for their safety and the safety of highway workers.  All work is weather dependent, and signs and message boards will be in place to alert motorists, as schedule changes occur.  

 

COMMISSION APPROVES FY 2024-2028 STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

On Wednesday the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the FY 2024-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2028. The five-year program includes funding from General Revenue – passed by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by Gov. Mike Parson – to widen and improve I-70, fix low-volume minor roads, upgrade railroad safety crossings and more.

The STIP makes available nearly $14 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years, making it the largest program ever. Of the $14 billion, the draft STIP details $10.4 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $2.1 billion per year.

The program details these maintenance improvements to Missouri’s nearly 34,000 miles of roads and 10,400 bridges. The draft STIP was released in June for public review, and MoDOT received 72 comments.

The STIP also includes detailed project information for non-highway modes of transportation and a section detailing planned operations and maintenance activities for the next three years. This additional information is provided to allow Missourians to more easily see how their transportation funding is invested. The Final STIP is available online at https://www.modot.org/statewide-transportation-improvement-program-stip.

 

PURDIN AND BROWNING SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK

A sidewalk improvement project is scheduled to begin Monday, July 17, in Purdin and Browning. The project to help ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), funded in part through the Transportation Alternatives Program, will improve sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities in the two Linn County communities.

Stanton Contracting, LLC, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, plan to complete the project by early October 2023.

Planned project schedule:

Browning (Routes MM and O) – scheduled to begin Monday, July 17.

Crews plan to begin on the north side at 7th Street (Route MM) working east towards Alonzo Avenue (Route O). Once complete, crews will switch to the south side working west from Alonzo Avenue to 7th

Work is expected to be complete in mid-August.

Purdin (Route 5) – scheduled to begin Monday, August 21.

Crews plan to begin on the west side of A Street working south towards Ada Street. Once complete, crews will switch to the east side working north from Ada Street to A Street.

Work is expected to be complete in early October.

Some lane closures will be necessary throughout the project. Motorists are encouraged to use caution and follow all traffic control, flaggers, signs and barricades. All vehicles and personal property will need to be removed from the work area prior to start of construction.

All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

July 13, 2023

 

WOMAN KILLED IN WARREN COUNTY ACCIDENT    

A woman was killed in an accident that occurred at 4:30pm Tuesday in Warren County.  The patrol says that 69 year old Priscilla Luke of Union was on MO 47 when her car was struck head-on by an SUV driven by 25 year old Ellie Unerstall of Washington which had crossed the center of the roadway.  Luke was pronounced dead at the scene while Unerstall was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK

A driver was seriously injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Franklin County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 9pm as 79 year old Virginia Trueman of Villa Ridge was on MO 100 when she failed to yield to a car driven by 19 year old Blake Gammill of Pacific and her jeep collided with his car.  She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

NECAC SEEKS DONATIONS FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES

NECAC is seeking donations for school supply purchases that will supplement five school districts in Macon County.

The fund-raiser is entitled Macon Strides for Success and is in its second year. The contribution deadline is July 31.

NECAC Macon County Service Coordinator Terri Laughlin said the goal is to help public school students in the smaller districts of Atlanta, Bevier, Callao, New Cambria and LaPlata.

The focus of supply purchases will be pre-kindergarten through third grade.  Enough money was raised last year to cover just about all of the needs.

Checks should be payable to NECAC and may be sent to the agency at 907 Highway PP, Macon, Mo., 63552.  Place “Macon County school supplies in the subject line.

Questions may be directed to Laughlin at 660-385-4616 Mondays to Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  She also can be reached at tlaughlin@necac.org.

 

PARK AND RECREATION MONTH

This July join Moberly Parks and Recreation for Park and Recreation Month as they celebrate how Moberly is stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of parks and recreation.  Year-round a variety of activities are planned for residents of all ages and abilities.  Moberly Parks and Recreation is celebrating Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association by inviting the community to share their how parks and recreation has benefited them and positively impacted their quality of life.  There are plenty of ways that you can celebrate as well!!!  To share how they have improved their quality of life you can go on social media with the hashtag #WhereCommunityGrows.  To learn more about Park and Recreation Month visit nrpa.org/July.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

July 12, 2023

 

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY NIGHT WRECK   

A Hermann woman was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday night in Gasconade County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6:35pm as 31 year old Brittney Cruts was on MO 100 when her SUV traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a driveway, a utility pole and after striking the ground came to rest.  She was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.

 

TEEN HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON CRASH

A Vandalia teen was hurt in a Monday afternoon crash in Audrain County.  MSHP stated that the 16 year old girl was a passenger in a car driven by 59 year old Karen Guminski of Vandalia.  They were on US 54 when their car struck a car driven by 28 year old Kevin Haller of Wellsville as he had slowed down for another vehicle to make a turn.  The teen suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.  The crash happened at around 4:50pm Monday.

 

TEENS INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two teens were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 2:35pm Monday in Macon County.  The patrol says that a 16 year old boy from Atlanta was on Route J when his vehicle ran off the roadway, he overcorrected, causing it to strike a fence and overturned.  He sustained minor injuries and was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment, while his passenger a 15 year old boy from Elmer was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY AFTERNOON INCIDENT

A driver was injured in a Monday afternoon incident in Livingston County.  State troopers report that it occurred after 3:30pm as 74 year old Darwin Nieman of Chillicothe was westbound on LIV 320 while a truck driven by 62 year old Sherman Shields of Hale was southbound on LIV 369 when they met at an uncontrolled intersection and the front of Nieman’s UTV struck the left rear of Shields’ truck.  After impact the UTV came to rest on its wheels in the intersection facing southeast while the truck came to rest on its wheels south of the intersection facing southeast.  Nieman was taken to Truman Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

July 11, 2023

 

COLUMBIA MAN HURT IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

A Columbia man was hurt in a motorcycle accident that occurred at 6pm Sunday in Callaway County.  The patrol says that 66 year old William Johnson was on Route WW when he swerved to avoid a vehicle that had pulled out in front of him and his motorcycle ran off the left side of the road.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to an unknown hospital for treatment.

 

WOMAN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING WRECK

A Jefferson City woman was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday morning in Callaway County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 6:10am as 25 year old Bridget Garcia was on US 63 when her car traveled off the left side of the roadway, became airborne and struck the ground.  She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS

On Friday, July 7 at approximately 3:26 PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of Muldrow in reference to a disturbance inside a home involving a gun.  As a result of the disturbance, Audrain Ambulance District took a 51-year-old female to University Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.  A 66-year-old male died at the scene.  The incident is still under investigation and there is no indication there is any danger to anyone else.

 

BE ALERT FOR MODOT MOWING CREWS

Though it’s been a drier start to summer than usual, seasonal growth along Missouri’s roadways still needs to be mowed. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution when encountering tractor mowers near the shoulders of interstates and other busy roadways.

MoDOT’s goal is to mow major and minor routes three times by the end of October, dependent upon staffing and equipment availability. MoDOT mows about 400,000 acres of grass each year, which is equivalent to 300,000 football fields.

Crews use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers. Drivers are advised to use the following tips to safely pass mowers on rural two-lane roads:

Be alert for trucks and tractors with lights flashing and moving slowly, 2-5 mph.

Slow down and focus on the road ahead of you. Put your cellphone down and avoid other distractions.

Be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a "follow" truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road.

Obey the no-passing zone stripes, and only pass when you can see far enough past the "follow" truck to avoid meeting oncoming traffic.

Between mowing cycles, you can report grass and weeds blocking visibility at intersections along state-maintained roads by calling MoDOT’s 24/7 Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by going to modot.org/report-road-concern.

 

NORTH MISSOURI DRUG TASK FORCE NEWS

On Sunday, July 2 the North Missouri Drug Task Force assisted the Chariton County Sheriff’s Department with the execution of a narcotics search warrant located at 25385 Liberty Rd. Mendon, Missouri. Chariton County Sheriff’s Deputy was called to the residence in reference to a domestic dispute. While at the residence, the Officer observed what was believed to be illegal narcotics in plain view of the Officer. A field test of the substance returned a positive result for methamphetamine. The two occupants were arrested and a search warrant was issued for the residence. An execution of the search warrant resulted in the discovery of several small baggies of methamphetamine weighing a total of approximately 1/4 ounce, Scales, 2 firearms, pills believed to be oxycodone, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia including pipes and syringes used to ingest methamphetamine.
Officers arrested 64-year-old Robert W. Walker of Mendon. He was transported to the Randolph County Justice Center. Chariton County Prosecuting Attorney Cliff Thornburg charged Walker with:
Count I: Class C Felony Delivery of a Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid.
Count II: Class D Felony Possession of Controlled Substance.
Count III: Class E Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon- Subsection 11- Possesses Weapon and A Felony Controlled Substance.
Count IV: Class D Misdemeanor Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Walker’s bond was set at $10,000 cash only. 
Also arrested was 32-year-old Angel S. Reams of Mendon. She was also transported to the Randolph County Justice Center. Chariton County Prosecuting Attorney Cliff Thornburg charged Reams with:
Count I: Class C Felony Delivery of a Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid.

 

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

July 10, 2023

 

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT

A woman was seriously injured while her teenage daughter suffered minor injuries in an accident that occurred at 5:35pm Saturday in Montgomery County.  The patrol says that 46 year old Sharon Johns and her 12 year old daughter both from Charlestown, IN were on Bethel Church Road and traveling too fast for conditions and turned into a private drive when their UTV began to skid, she overcorrected, causing it to overturn onto its side, ejecting her daughter from it.  Johns was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries, while her daughter was taken to an unknown hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

 

MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH SATURDAY AFTERNOON

A man was injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon in Callaway County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 12:35pm as 76 year old Elizabeth Broyles of Wildwood was eastbound on I-70 when she slowed for other traffic and her SUV was struck in the rear by a motorcycle ridden by 61 year old Charles Hollister of Lake St. Louis.  He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

DRIVER KILLED, OTHER ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT MISHAP

A driver was killed while the other one was seriously injured in a Saturday night mishap in Lincoln County.  State troopers report that 35 year old David Case of Troy was on Route J when his car crossed the centerline and struck a motorcycle ridden by 60 year old Steven Tucker of Troy.  Tucker was pronounced dead at the scene while Case was taken to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis with serious injuries.  The mishap happened at 7:25pm Saturday.

 

THREE TEENS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MACON COUNTY WRECK

Three teens were seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 10pm Saturday in Macon County.  The patrol says that a 18 year old boy from Moberly was on Route T when his jeep ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned.  The boy along with his two passengers’ a 17 year old girl from Moberly and a 19 year old girl from Excello were taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

July 7, 2023

 

WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN AUDRAIN COUNTY ACCIDENT

A Vandalia woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12pm Wednesday in Audrain County.  The patrol says that 65 year old Valera Pabst Bostic was on Route KK when her car traveled across the left side of the roadway, collided with a road sign and then became airborne and then hit the bridge support before coming to a stop.  She was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK

47 year old Mary Hoaglin and her passenger 41 year old David Ahrens both from Louisiana were seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon in Pike County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 4:10pm as they were eastbound on Route B when she failed to stop at a stop sign, causing her SUV to cross Missouri 79 and then traveled off the right side of the road, began to skid and then struck an embankment.  Both were transported by ambulance to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL with serious injuries.

 

MSHP REPORTS EIGHT TRAFFIC FATALITIES, ZERO BOATING FATALITIES, & FOUR DROWNINGS OVER JULY 4TH HOLIDAY COUNTING PERIOD

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following 2023 July Fourth holiday statistics for the counting period of 6 p.m., Friday, June 30, through 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, July 4, 2023:


2023 July Fourth Holiday Boating Statistics

Troopers worked six boating crashes, which included two injuries and zero fatalities. Troopers made 10 boating while intoxicated arrests. Four people drowned over the holiday weekend. Two of the drownings occurred in the Troop F area, one drowning occurred in the Troop A area, and one drowning occurred in the Troop C area. Troopers worked all four drownings.

Two people drowned on Sunday, July 2, 2023. James D. Roy, 56, of Kansas City, MO, was last seen near a moored vessel. It is unknown how Roy entered the water. He was not wearing a life jacket and did not resurface. Camden County Medical Examiner Crystal Lloyd pronounced Roy dead at Mimosa Beach. The incident occurred at the Lake of the Ozarks near the 43-mile marker of the main channel in Bollinger Creek Cove in Camden County.

Hamsa Mohamed, 41, of St. Louis, MO, drowned after jumping from a cliff on the right side of Big River. He attempted to float and did not surface. He was not wearing a life jacket. High Ridge Fire Department personnel pronounced Mohamed dead at the scene. The incident occurred at Big River near Rockford Beach in House Springs, in Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and St. Louis County Police Department also responded to the scene.

Two people drowned on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. A six-year-old male drowned when he jumped into the water onto a lily pad, went under the water, and did not resurface. He was not wearing a life jacket. Dr. Campbell pronounced the six-year-old dead at Lake Regional Hospital. The incident occurred at the Lake of the Ozarks near the 65.9-mile marker in Lick Creek Cove in Camden County. The Camden County Sheriff's Office and Edwards, MO, Fire Department also responded.

Carlos Antonio, 22, of St. Joseph, MO, drowned when he was swimming, walked off a ledge in the water, and never resurfaced. He was not wearing a life jacket. The incident occurred at Smithville Lake near Little Platte Swim Beach in Clay County.

2023 July Fourth Holiday Traffic Statistics

Troopers worked 390 traffic crashes, which included 152 injuries and seven of the eight fatalities. The Kansas City Police Department worked the remaining fatality. Troopers also made 116 DWI arrests and 21 drug arrests over the holiday weekend.

One traffic fatality occurred in each of the Troop A, Lee's Summit, MO, Troop B, Macon, MO, Troop C, Weldon Spring, and Troop E, Poplar Bluff, MO, areas. Four fatalities occurred in the Troop H, St. Joseph, MO, area.

[During the 2022 counting period, 11 people were killed and 449 injured statewide in Missouri over the holiday in 1,069 traffic crashes. Troopers arrested 146 people for driving while intoxicated last year. Over the 2022 July Fourth holiday, there were nine boating crashes, which included five injuries and no fatalities. One person drowned during last year's July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 13 BWI arrests during the 2022 counting period.]

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

July 6, 2023

 

MOTORCYCLIST INJURED IN TUESDAY EVENING MISHAP

A motorcyclist was injured in a Tuesday evening mishap in Audrain County.  The highway patrol said it happened at 5:25pm as 36 year old Justin Flowers of Vandalia was on private property off 710 North Galloway Road in Vandalia when he jumped a ramp and upon landing, lost control and his motorcycle struck a tree and overturned.  He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT

24 year old Dalton Stewart of Bowling Green was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6:40pm Monday in Pike County.  The patrol says that he was on Pike County Road 248 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and overturned.  He was taken to Pike County Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

 

MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SUNDAY NIGHT CRASH

A Pacific man was seriously injured in a Sunday night crash in Franklin County.  MSHP stated that 75 year old Gerald Johnson was on Highway O and driving too fast for conditions when his motorcycle slid off the right side of the road.  He was taken to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.  The crash occurred at 7:15pm Sunday.

 

TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN LINN COUNTY ACCIDENT

Two people from Marceline were injured, one seriously in an accident that occurred at 10:05am Sunday in Linn County.  The patrol said that 35 year old Beau Smith of Kansas City was on MO 5 when he failed to yield to a car driven by 81 year old Douglas Jackson and Jackson’s car struck Smith’s truck.  Douglas Jackson was air lifted by helicopter to Liberty Hospital with serious injuries, while his passenger 79 year old Bertha Jackson sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital for treatment.    

WOMAN KILLED, TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED IN TUESDAY NIGHT WRECK

A Bowling Green woman was killed and two others were seriously injured in a two-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Ralls County.  State troopers report that it happened at around 9:50pm as an SUV driven by 43 year old Terri Rucker was driving northbound in the southbound lane of US 61 when it collided head-on with an ambulance from Van Far driven by 54 year old Leslie Dahl of Farber.  Rucker was pronounced dead at the scene while Dahl and her passenger 47 year old Jason Bostic of Troy was taken to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

July 3-5, 2023

 

TROY MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT

45 year old Jason Knoll of Troy was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 1:40pm Saturday in Lincoln County.  The patrol says he was on Highway U when his motorcycle struck a traffic cone and went off the right side of the roadway.  He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.

 

TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRIDAY AFTERNNON WRECK

A teenage girl from Elsberry was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Friday afternoon in Pike County.  State troopers report that the 17 year old girl was on Route D when she swerved to miss a deer, causing her car to travel off the right side of the road, hit a culvert, became airborne and came to rest on its driver side on a barb wire fence.  She was air lifted by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.  The wreck happened at 12:05pm Friday.

 

MOTORCYCLIST HURT IN SATURDAY AFTERNOON MISHAP

A motorcyclist was hurt in a Saturday afternoon mishap in Howard County.  MSHP stated that it happened at around 2:50pm as 44 year old William Maddex of Boonville was on US 40 when he failed to make a left turn onto Highway 240 and his motorcycle overturned onto its side and skidded to a stop.  He suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.

 

WOMAN HURT IN MACON COUNTY ACCIDENT

A New Cambria woman was hurt in an accident that occurred at around 8:30pm Saturday in Macon County.  The patrol says that 21 year old Lizzy Sweet was on US 36 when her jeep hydroplaned and ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail.  She sustained minor injuries and was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Macon for treatment.

 

DRIVER HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING INCIDENT

A Queen City driver was hurt in a Saturday morning incident in Schuyler County.  The highway patrol said that it happened at 10am as 51 year old Becky Nolan of Queen City was on Route W when her jeep crossed the center of the road and struck a truck driven by 56 year old Bryan Jones of Queen City.  Jones was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville for treatment of minor injuries.   

 

 




LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS SUMMARY

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            … from the Best Broadcast Group Newsroom

                           

 

June 30, 2023

 

PLANNED ROADWORK FOR NORTHEAST MISSOURI FOR NEXT FEW WEEKS   

The following is a list of general highway maintenance work the Missouri Department of Transportation has planned in the Northeast Missouri region for the next few weeks.

 

All road closures and planned roadwork may be viewed on the Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

 

Inclement weather may cause schedule changes in some of the planned work. There may also be moving operations throughout the region, in addition to the work mentioned below. MoDOT asks drivers to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

 

Lincoln County

Route J – July 3, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Interstate 70 Outer Road to Missouri Route 47 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

Route WW – July 5 – 6, LANE RESTRICTION for patching operations from Route J to the end of state maintenance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working.

 

Monroe County